President Lai Ching-te said Sept. 25 that Taiwan is committed to strengthening its strategic economic and trade partnership with the U.S. to jointly ensure global supply chain security and advance prosperity and development around the world.
Lai made the remarks while meeting with a delegation from the U.S.-based think tank Institute for Indo-Pacific Security. He first welcomed Chair Randall G. Schriver and expressed condolences for the passing of former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.
Lai stated that Taiwan is facing China’s political and military intimidation and gray-zone aggression. The country appreciates the importance of national security and cross-strait peace, he said, adding that the people are determined to protect national sovereignty, safeguard their free and democratic way of life, uphold the rule-based international order and ensure regional peace and stability.
Taiwan is bolstering its self-defense capabilities and enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience, Lai said, citing the largest-ever Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition and the inaugural Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum held last week. He added that the country’s defense spending will reach 3.32 percent of GDP next year and is expected to reach 5 percent by 2030.
The government will continue to elevate Taiwan-U.S. defense cooperation through military procurement from the U.S. and joint research, development and manufacturing, the president said. The country will also advance exchanges with the U.S. and other like-minded partners in areas spanning cybersecurity and countering disinformation, he added.
In response, Schriver said Taiwan continues to be a responsible regional and global citizen even though China increases pressure to isolate Taiwan and prevent its meaningful participation in the U.N., its affiliated agencies and international organizations. Taiwan is implementing innovative approaches to contribute to regional and global affairs, such as providing assistance during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland, he added.
The chair concluded by expressing hope that the two sides will continue to deepen collaboration in trade and security, and pledged to continue advocating for international support for Taiwan. (YCH-E)
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