President Lai Ching-te received a delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives at the Presidential Office in Taipei City Aug. 13 and pledged to continue strengthening investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The group includes Marilyn Strickland, Julia Brownley, Jill Tokuda, Jasmine Crockett and is in Taiwan Aug. 11-15 to show the representatives’ strong support for both Taiwan and the bilateral relations, the PO said.
According to the president, Taiwan and the U.S. share the values of freedom and democracy and are both committed to tackling pressing global challenges. He cited the growing scope of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework in collaboration with Australia and Japan in recent years as an example of the efficacy of a united approach.
Security in the Taiwan Strait is crucial to global stability and prosperity, Lai said. Facing growing authoritarianism, Taiwan looks forward to expanding cooperation with the U.S. to safeguard regional peace and stability while ensuring democracy and prosperity around the world, he said, adding that Taiwan will continue to implement reforms that enhance its defense capabilities.
The president also thanked the delegates for affirming Taiwan’s democracy through resolutions in the House as well as posts on social media. It is hoped that the Congress will complete the relevant procedures for the U.S.-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act soonest possible to bolster the two-way partnership, he said.
In her remarks, Rep. Strickland praised the resilience and kindness of Taiwan’s people and said the visit underscores the congressional members’ steadfast and resolute support for Taiwan. There are adversaries around the world who are using disinformation and trying to sway elections to destabilize allies, she said, adding that the congressional members’ presence sends a strong message that each representative’s respective state, as well as the U.S. as a whole, stands with Taiwan. (SFC-E)
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