President Tsai Ing-wen has been awarded the John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service. The announcement was made by the Halifax International Security Forum (HFX) on Tuesday.

The independent, non-partisan and non-profit forum is based in Washington. It is one of the most prestigious defense affairs forums in the world.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang said on Tuesday that President Tsai is honored to receive the award. He said President Tsai said the honor belongs to Taiwanese people as the public has steadfastly safeguarded freedom and democracy.