Taiwan FM welcomes US diplomatic exchange moves

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Monday welcomed the US State Department's lifting of restrictions on diplomatic exchanges with Taiwan.

On Saturday Secretary of State Mike Pompeo angered China when he declared restrictions on US diplomatic contacts with Taiwanese officials to be null and void.

Wu said the move will strengthen Taiwan-US relations.

The Trump administration has sought to strengthen bilateral relations with Taiwan.

It announced last Thursday that U.N. Ambassador Kelly Craft would go to Taiwan, a move that sparked sharp criticism from Beijing and a warning that the US would pay a heavy price.

Wu said Craft's visit is a symbol of very good Taiwan-US relations.

Craft will arrive in Taipei for a three-day visit to meet with senior Taiwan counterparts and members of the diplomatic community.

She will also meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and deliver a speech at the foreign ministry to promote Taiwan's participation in international organizations during her visit.

In August, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar became the first Cabinet member to visit Taiwan since 2014.

(Image Credit: AP)