PUBLISHED: 03:18, Sun, Jan 10, 2021 | UPDATED: 03:18, Sun, Jan 10, 2021
Link copiedMike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, issued a statement announcing an end to decades-long restrictions on official contact between Washington and Taiwan. He stated the US had “created complex internal restrictions” in a bid to “appease” the Chinese Government.
While the US still does not have an official relationship with Taiwan, Mr Pompeo announced the restrictions had been lifted to allow official contacts to take place.
He added: “The United States government took these actions unilaterally, in an attempt to appease the Communist regime in Beijing. No more.
“Today I am announcing that I am lifting all of these self-imposed restrictions.
Insurance Loans Mortgage Attorney Credit Lawyer“Today's statement recognises that the US-Taiwan relationship need not, and should not, be shackled by self-imposed restrictions of our permanent bureaucracy."
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World War 3 news: The US has lifted restrictions on diplomatic contacts to Taiwan (Image: PA)
World War 3 news: Mike Pomepo announced the restrictions were introduced to 'appease' China (Image: EXPRESS)
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US, Taiwan’s unofficial embassy, hailed the move and said it showed the “strength and depth” of the two countries relationship.
Bi-khim Hsiao, Taiwan’s US representative, took to Twitter to praise Mr Pompeo for removing contact restrictions.
He said: “Decades of discrimination, removed.
“A huge day in our bilateral relationship. I will cherish every opportunity."
World War 3 news: Bi-khim Hsiao, Taiwan
