TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sought to clarify remarks by a deputy foreign minister about Taiwan’s view of the upcoming US presidential election. 

In an article published by The Hill on Saturday (Nov. 2), MOFA Deputy Secretary Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) was reported as saying that Taiwan is “very, very worried” about the potential outcomes of the US presidential election. In a press release on Sunday (Nov. 3), MOFA declared this translation of Wu’s remarks, originally in Mandarin, is inappropriate.

Wu’s statement was made at a banquet on Oct. 29, while Wu was taking questions from reporters in a casual environment. MOFA said a more accurate phrasing is that Taiwan is “concerned” about political changes that may occur as a result of the US election, rather than “worried.” 

The ministry also noted that the English phrasing “very, very worried” was reported by a local journalist, then retranslated and circulated in local Taiwan media, which MOFA said reflects a lack of decorum. The press release also clarifies that Wu's comment was not made during an interview with a specific news outlet as The Hill report suggests, but to a group of reporters asking questions at the event.

In the press release, MOFA emphasized that support for Taiwan in Washington is bipartisan. Wu’s original statement was summarized to express that the long-term, cooperative relationship between Taiwan and the US is not expected to change after Tuesday’s election.

MOFA said that the US is Taiwan’s “most important partner.” Therefore, no matter which candidate is elected, Taiwan maintains great confidence in the future of US-Taiwan relations.