President Lai Ching-te received Raymond Greene, the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan, at the Presidential Office July 10 in Taipei City, expressing his belief that the Taiwan-U.S. partnership will continue to grow across the aboard with Greene’s experience and strong support.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, Lai said. He conveyed gratitude to the U.S. government for continuing to fulfill its commitments to Taiwan, as evidenced by the 15 military sales announced by the Biden administration over the past four years.
According to Lai, Taiwan and the U.S. are staunch partners that jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. Despite facing challenges from China, Taiwan has spared no effort in maintaining the cross-strait status quo, he said, adding that the country will work closely with the U.S. and other like-minded partners to contribute to regional development and prosperity.
Lai went on to say the country is dedicated to further deepening Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade ties, including advancing the second round of negotiation under the Taiwan-U.S. Initiative on 21st Century Trade and resolving the double taxation issue. The government also pledges to transform Taiwan into an artificial intelligence hub and to conduct exchanges with the U.S. in AI and other innovative sectors, he added.
In response, Greene reaffirmed that the U.S. remains committed to backing Taiwan and helping enhance its self-defense capabilities. The two sides share an interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he said, adding that the U.S. will continue to support Taiwan in accordance with the TRA and Six Assurances.
Greene said he looks forward to enhancing the already rock-solid bilateral ties in areas spanning culture, economy, technology and people-to-people exchanges, citing the ongoing Taiwan-U.S. Initiative on 21st Century Trade, U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative and Fulbright Program. With the support of international democracies, Taiwan’s democratic system can be preserved, and the relationships among like-minded partners will reach new heights, he added. (YCH-E)
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