text:  as China ramps up its military threats. Raymond Green, assuming his new role as director of the American Institute in Taiwan earlier this week, meeting today with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Green said they're both interested in peace and stability. President Lai said Taiwan will strive to maintain the status quo with China, does not want to rock the boat. Mainland China claims the self-ruled democracy of 23 million as its own territory to be reclaimed by force if necessary. On to South Korea.