Taiwan representative to U.S. speaks with Biden adviser

Washington, Nov. 14 (CNA) Taiwan's de facto ambassador to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said on Saturday that she has spoken with Antony Blinken, a senior advisor to President-elect Joe Biden.

During the 15-minute call on Friday, Hsiao conveyed Taiwan's congratulations to Biden for winning the presidential election, and said she appreciated the longstanding bipartisan support in the U.S. for stronger Taiwan-U.S. relations.

The "close and enduring ties" between Taiwan and the U.S. is based on shared valued and common interests, Hsiao said, and she expressed hope that Taiwan can continue cooperating closely with the U.S. in the coming years, according to Taiwan's representative office in the U.S.

Blinken is a foreign policy adviser in Biden's presidential campaign, and is widely expected to be appointed as national security adviser in the incoming administration. He previously served as Deputy Secretary of State and Deputy National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama.

When President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) announced in August that Taiwan would ease restrictions on U.S. beef and pork imports, Blinken said on Twitter that "stronger economic ties with Taiwan also support our shared democratic values and our common commitment to regional peace and stability."