Taipei, March 29 (CNA) Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said Tuesday the United States's commitment to Taiwan has been as strong as ever because America always supports countries that are democratic.
The U.S. support for democratic movements in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya are examples that the Barack Obama administration has been always "on the defense of democracy and the will of the people, " said Armitage.
Responding to reporters' questions after his meeting with Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng, the senior politician said he "wouldn't question the (Obama Administration's) commitment to Taiwan."
Arriving in Taiwan Sunday, Armitage had a tight schedule, meeting many officials, including President Ma Ying-jeou, members of the Cabinet, and DPP opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen.
Noting that Taiwan is a country of rapid changes, Armitage said Taiwan's economy is much better than before, and "the level of political discussion is much higher."
"It's hard to imagine this democracy is only 20 years old, " he said.
Armitage also found that the DPP is "much more mature" under the leadership of Tsai. But the DPP has not laid out its policies yet.
However, the ruling Kuomintang (KMT), he added, has been "very clear with its policy in cross-Taiwan Strait affairs, economic development and wealth distribution."
On U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, he said he was happy that the Obama administration "moved one package earlier and hope they'll move others."
When asked to compare the State Department's Taiwan policy under the Obama versus Bush administrations, Armitage said the State Department was able to have a bigger budget when he served. In addition, the Obama administration "has taken some time to learn (about Taiwan)."
"But we are lucky to have Kurt Campbell as assistant secretary because he understands Taiwan very well, " he said.
Armitage will leave Taiwan Wednesday. (By Chris Wang) enditem/ly