John McCain's Statement on Taiwan's Presidential Election

• John McCain made the following statement on Taiwan's Presidential Election today:

"I want to congratulate MaYing-jeou of Taiwan on his victory in the presidential election held on March 22nd. Once again we are witnessing the peaceful transfer of political power from one government to another based on ballots in an election that was free and fair. The vigorous campaigning of Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT and the DPP's Frank Hsieh are testimony to the press freedoms, democratic process and the rule of law the Taiwanese people have worked so hard to build. Taiwan's election is a fine example for the region."

• According to the timesonline.co.uk "The United States, Taiwan’s main ally, has sent two aircraft carriers to the region for training exercises during the election. China fired missiles into the Taiwan Strait in 1996, in an attempt to intimidate voters."
• They also reported that "Mr. Ma appeared at a final rally yesterday in the southern city of Kaohsiung. Echoing Barack Obama, he cried: “Does Taiwan want change?” The crowd shouted back: “Yes, change.”"
• Neither the Clinton or Obama campaign has issued a statement on Taiwan's elections as of the morning of March 24th.

Sources:

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/PressReleases/3884de58-2b05-4fe0-b1bc-3463b8d9851f.htm

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3599805.ece