The First Time The Ambassador Of Taiwan Attends The Inauguration Of The US President: The Political Symbol Behind History

JAKARTA - Taiwan's relations with its most important global backing partner, the United States (US), started strongly during the Joe Biden administration, after Taiwan's de facto ambassador attended the inauguration of the US president at the official invitation, for the first time.

The administration of former president Donald Trump has also increased US support for Taiwan by increasing arms sales and sending senior officials to Taipei, sparking greater Chinese anger at the United States amid heated relations.

Trump's stance has made him a popular figure in Taiwan, an island region that China considers part of its country so that it can be seized by force if needed.

The ambassador's presence also raised Beijing's concern that Biden might not be of much help to his side. White House Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said that the US commitment to Taiwan was steadfast with the presence of Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's de facto ambassador in Washington, at the ceremony to take Biden's oath as president, Wednesday, January 20.

"President Biden will work with friends and allies to promote prosperity, security and shared values in the Asia Pacific region, and that includes Taiwan," said Horne.

Taiwan's foreign affairs authority said that this was the first time the inauguration committee had formally invited Taiwanese representatives and showed Taiwan's close friendship with the US based on shared values.

"These shared values are democracy, freedom and human rights," said a spokesman for the Taiwanese authorities, Joanne Qu.

The United States ended formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 and turned to recognition of China, even though Washington is required by national law to provide the means for Taiwan to defend itself.

Hsiao Bi-khim, an ambassador who is close to Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, in a video message on his Twitter account said that he was honored to represent the authorities and people of Taiwan at this big event in the US. "Democracy is our common language, and freedom is a common goal," he said.

Tsai also congratulated his representative, stating his hope that the two sides can work together to maintain democracy, freedom, peace and stability in the region.

Biden's proposed candidate for US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, previously mentioned that he would be happy to support broader US-Taiwan relations.