HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) took part in a reception in New York City last Sunday to welcome democratically elected Vice President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan. Lai’s appearance was part of a 24-hour stopover en route to Paraguay to attend the inauguration ceremony for that country’s new president.

“I believe it is important to stand with our democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific region whenever we can,” said Mackenzie. “It was a pleasure to meet the vice president.”

Lai is the leading presidential candidate in Taiwan’s upcoming election to succeed outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen. He was under pressure from China to cancel the stopover visit in the U.S., which does not diplomatically recognize Taiwan.

Mackenzie serves as Republican chair of the House International Relations Caucus, which works to promote the Commonwealth’s interests around the globe.

Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
http://www.repmackenzie.com/

 

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