President, ex-president congratulate Alex Honnold on Taipei 101 climb

Taipei, Jan. 25 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Sunday congratulated U.S. climber Alex Honnold on his ascent of Taipei 101 earlier in the day.

The 40-year-old free soloist reached the skyscraper's spire at 10:43 a.m. without the use of ropes after setting out at 9 a.m. The entire climb was broadcast live in the Netflix special "Skyscraper Live."

In a Facebook post, Lai praised Honnold's courage in completing the challenge, saying many people watched either from the base of Taipei 101 or on television, following a climb that "quickened the heartbeat."

Thanking those who worked behind the scenes to make the feat possible, Lai said the Netflix broadcast showcased to the world both the enthusiasm of the Taiwanese public and the island's mountain scenery, adding that he was "deeply touched."

Tsai echoed the sentiment, congratulating Honnold on his "historic feat" and thanking the organizers and spectators for their support.

She said the challenge not only fulfilled Honnold's dream but also showcased Taiwan's "safety, order and prosperity" to the world.

Tsai said his achievement demonstrated that "when courage and dreams meet, even feats that seem impossible can be accomplished."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also congratulated Honnold's "conquering of Taipei 101," commenting that "true courage knows no limits."

Meanwhile, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) congratulated Honnold's successful free solo, saying that he not only set a new record but "introduced many Americans and more global audiences to this iconic landmark in the heart of Taipei."

The AIT represents U.S. interests in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.