Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday urged Washington and Taipei to boost security and economic ties amid China's increasing aggression that has been the key driver to bringing Taiwan closer to the United States.
Pompeo said at a global business forum in the southern port city of Kaohsiung that it is undeniable that "China's aggressive conduct, diplomatically, militarily, economically ... have changed this region. And it brought those who prefer peace and commerce even more closely together."
Pompeo's visit is his second to Taiwan for the year, following one in March, and comes ahead of next month's once-in-five-years congress of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to secure his third five-year term.