Taiwan Vice President discusses security, Chinese issue with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

The bilateral talks lasted for about 30 minutes and the discussions touched on security issues, economic affairs, and shared values, Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's representative to the US, told reporters after the meeting, reported Focus Taiwan.

Hsiao mentioned that Pelosi had expressed concern over the status and security in the Taiwan Strait as well as human rights in China ahead of Beijing's hosting of the Winter Olympic Games in early February.

In what China called a "self-directed political farce," the U.S. is staging a "diplomatic boycott" of the Beijing Games. Unlike a traditional boycott, U.S. athletes will still attend the games but they will not be joined by government officials, with Washington citing "genocide and crimes against humanity" in the Xinjiang region, reported Focus Taiwan.

According to Hsiao, Pelosi also voiced her support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization's (WHO) activities and mechanisms, saying that she had previously conveyed her views directly to the WHO's director-general over the matter.

Meanwhile, Lai Ching-te tweeted: "I was pleased to meet with SpeakerPelosi, a champion of human rights and a true friend to Taiwan. We are committed to working together to strengthen the US-Taiwan partnership."