TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of China is a falsehood, Mike Pompeo, a Hudson Institute distinguished fellow and former US secretary of state, said at a Hudson Institute event on Tuesday (Sept. 17). 

Pompeo expressed pride in redefining US policy toward Taiwan by decoupling Taiwan-US relations from the US-China framework during his term as secretary of state, Liberty Times reported. He also pointed out that he is the only high-ranking US official in nearly half a century to call on the US government to restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The former official hoped more of his colleagues inside and outside the government would follow his lead, making this the priority for new US policies and foreign affairs.

Pompeo said Taiwan is a sovereign, independent country and that every American should easily recognize this basic fact. He added that the Chinese Communist Party works hard to dismiss this fact because the party knows it is an undeniable truth.

He called on supporters of Taiwan to continue working together to maintain peace, stability, and justice throughout the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

During a visit to Taipei in May, Pompeo said the US must strengthen regional partnerships including Taiwan to counter the Chinese threat.