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Vice president returns to Taiwan
Vice President Lai Ching-te has arrived back in Taiwan following his seven-day trip to the United States and Paraguay.
Lai landed at Taoyuan International Airport at 4:45 this morning and speaking briefly to reporters he expressed his gratitude to the Paraguayan government for its hospitality and said he and his delegation conveyed a congratulatory message from President Tsai Ing-wen and the people of Taiwan to President Santiago Pena. Lai went on to say his trip to Paraguay will help strengthen bilateral ties and future cooperation between Taipei and Asuncion. Lai also thanked overseas Taiwanese communities - saying due to their hard work, the international community sees Taiwan as a force for good.
Lai's arrival back in Taiwan comes after he made a brief stopover in San Francisco, where he was welcomed by American Institute in Taiwan Chair Laura Rosenberger and Taiwan's top envoy to the US, Hsiao Bi-khim. Lai posted a photo of himself with Rosenberger and Hsiao on social media shortly after being welcomed by dozens of Taiwanese expats outside the Hyatt Regency hotel near the airport.
Lai was undisturbed by the more than a hundred pro-Beijing "protesters" – who were calling for Taiwan's unification with China. Some of those protesters attempted to break the cordon and approach Lai and his delegation but were stopped by police.
Speaking during her meeting with Lai, Rosenberger said the US remains committed to supporting Taiwan's self-defence capabilities while collaboration in high-tech development and investment is also a two-way relationship.
