President Tsai Ing-wen has been selected to appear on TIME Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. This is her second appearance on the annual list—the first was in 2016. On Tuesday, the Presidential Office thanked US senator Ted Cruz for recommending President Tsai and for his long-standing support for Taiwan. 

In a short introduction, the Republican senator from Texas wrote “President Tsai Ing-wen is a signal lamp casting out China’s looming shadow, conveying to the world that Taiwan will not acquiesce to the Chinese Communist Party. While Taiwan stands a mere 100 miles from mainland China, under President Tsai’s leadership, it is neither adrift nor drawn in. Freedom is its North Star, which has been clear in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan has proved that the virus can be controlled—without emulating China’s drastic policies. When cynics said Taiwan was too small and too isolated to stand up against China’s regional ambitions, President Tsai stood tall. When China lured Taiwan’s allies into cutting off ties with the island nation, President Tsai was undeterred.”

Senator Cruz said he had the honor of meeting President Tsai last year during Taiwan’s National Day celebrations, and he witnessed firsthand how the president stands up for the rights of Taiwan’s people. He also wrote “China is the world’s largest communist regime, and this self-made woman is determined to resist it. She does not cower.”

The Presidential Office said the president would like to thank Taiwanese people, as she represents the country, and not herself alone. The Presidential Office says Tsai believes that only with solidarity will Taiwan’s efforts to contain COVID-19, maintain regional peace and security, and contribute to the world will be recognized by the global community.