China/Taiwan

A U.S. delegation including former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley will arrive in the capital of Taiwan Monday, according to Reuters and AFP based on a statement from the American Institute in Taiwan. The institute functions de facto as the U.S. embassy. According to the reports, the delegation will visit the country to “show support for Taiwan’s continued prosperity and growth”. The delegation will meet with “a number of leading political figures” and congratulate them on the elections.
On Sunday, Taiwan asked China to “face reality” and respect the results of Saturday’s election, in which the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) prevailed with presidential candidate Lai Ching-te in the lead. Lai Ching-te was vice president before Saturday’s election. In a victory speech, he promised a new chapter without pressure and threats from China. “Taiwan is China’s Taiwan,” the Chinese government said in a statement on Saturday. /ritzau/