Strong Taiwan-U.S. relations are based on the shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, market economy and the rule of law, and the government is committed to further enhancing mutually beneficial exchanges between the two sides, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Nov. 7.
 
Taiwan is a close and reliable partner of the U.S. on regional and global issues, Chen said. This robust friendship was highlighted by President Tsai Ing-wen’s stopovers in Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam during the outbound and inbound legs, respectively, of her Oct. 28 to Nov. 4 trip to Republic of China (Taiwan) Pacific diplomatic allies Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands, he added.
 
The vice president made the remarks while meeting recipients of this year’s Asia-Pacific Journalism Fellowships at the Office of the President in Taipei City. Organized by East-West Center in Honolulu, the program aims to enhance understanding between the two sides through facilitating dialogue, studies and visits to the Asia-Pacific for American journalists.
 
Chen expressed his appreciation to East-West Center for helping promote ties between the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific, stating that the fellowship program serves as an important avenue for advancing information exchanges.
 
According to the vice president, Taiwan is a bastion of media rights in the region, with the government sparing no effort in protecting freedom of the press and political rights.
 
Such endeavors are reflected in the country’s classification as a free nation by U.S.-based Freedom House for 18 years in a row, as well as its top ranking in Asia as per the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled by Paris-headquartered Reporters without Borders. Taiwan’s performance in the index was a major factor behind the global media watchdog’s decision earlier this year to open its first Asian bureau in Taipei.
 
According to the Office of the President, since the Asia-Pacific Journalism Fellowship initiative was launched in 1998, a total of 13 delegations comprising some 80 media professionals have visited Taiwan. This year’s recipients include seven journalists from major outlets such as Foreign Policy, National Broadcasting Company, National Public Radio, The Washington Post and USA Today. (SFC-E)