President Lai Ching-te stated Taiwan’s desire to expand cooperation with the U.S. on multiple fronts while receiving Adm. John Aquilino, former head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Michael Wills, president of U.S. think tank National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), April 29 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
In his speech welcoming the delegation, the president noted that Aquilino displayed a consistent and careful attention to cross-strait issues over the course of his career, while the NBR has conducted a great deal of research and analysis on topics relating to regional security.
Lai said that Taiwan is situated in a major strategic position as part of the first island chain, which is why the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to forge economic safety and strengthen national defense capabilities is so important. The president added that the country has also continued to cooperate with its democratic neighbors to uphold regional peace.
Earlier this month, he announced that the salaries of volunteer service members and combat troops would be increased, and national defense reforms would continue. The president also noted that special allocations are being arranged to push the defense budget over 3 percent of the gross domestic product, displaying Taiwan’s determination to safeguard democracy and freedom.
Lai concluded with a comment that this year marks the 46th anniversary of the promulgation of the Taiwan Relations Act, which enables the U.S. government to sell weapons and materiel to Taiwan.
In response, Aquilino offered praise for the speed and effectiveness of governmental agencies’ work to advance societal resilience as a deterrent to authoritarian aggression. He pledged to collaborate with NBR to support Taiwan, whose vibrant democracy is key to sustaining regional peace and stability. (POC-E)
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