America’s UN Envoy to visit Taiwan
In a move that is sure to further escalate tensions between Washington and Beijing, Kelly Craft, Washington’s ambassador to the UN, will make a trip to Taiwan.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on January 6, 2020.
In a press statement on the mass arrest of democracy advocates in Hong Kong, Pompeo stated that the U.S. would not “stand idly by” as Hongkongers live under Chinese oppression. He also said Washington would consider sanctions and restrictions on anyone or any entity involved in this “assault on the Hong Kong people.”
Pompeo remarked that the U.S. stands by the Hong Kong people and “all who yearn for freedom.”
“I am pleased to announce the upcoming visit of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft to Taiwan, a reliable partner and vibrant democracy that has flourished despite CCP efforts to undermine its great success,” the statement said.
The announcement comes as China continues acting provocatively in the Taiwan Strait, including by regularly sending military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
The trip is expected to take place within the next two weeks after which President-elect Joseph Biden is sworn into office.
