May 29, 2024

President hails visiting US delegation as demonstration of close Taiwan-US ties

Group of lawmakers led by US Senator Tammy Duckworth


Source: TaiwanNews

 

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te welcomed the latest U.S. congressional delegation on Wednesday (May 29), calling the visit a demonstration of the solid partnership between Taiwan and the U.S.

The delegation, led by Senator Tammy Duckworth, arrived on Wednesday and included fellow Senators Dan Sullivan, Chris Coons, and Laphonza Butler. They are slated to meet with high-level Taiwan officials to discuss U.S.-Taiwan ties, regional security, and other issues, according to the American Institute in Taiwan.

Exchanges between the two countries have continued to deepen and broaden over the past few years, including addressing misinformation and defending democracy, Lai said, per a Presidential Office press release. 

Lai said Taiwan will act as a helm for world peace and a driver for global prosperity. He also hoped for continued U.S. support as the two countries contribute more to regional prosperity and development.

Duckworth, who previously visited Taiwan in 2021 and 2022, said the two countries cooperate in education, economy and trade, and agriculture. The multifaceted Taiwan-U.S. partnership is a testament to the strong and profound friendship between the two sides, she added.

The senator announced she would join Sullivan in introducing the "STAND with Taiwan Act," which would require the imposition of sanctions in the event of a military invasion of Taiwan by China, upon her return to Washington, D.C. 

Sullivan said the delegation’s visit to Taiwan expresses rock-solid and bipartisan support for Taiwan, which has continued for 75 years. Lai and the people of Taiwan can expect strong bipartisan support from the U.S. for the next 75 years, Sullivan said.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul is also leading a delegation in Taiwan until Thursday, meeting with government officials to discuss regional security and trade. 

McCaul said the U.S. was addressing the delay in arms deliveries to Taiwan. “We are moving forward on those weapons systems,” he said, adding, “I would like to see them faster, but they are forthcoming.”


By:  Kelvin Chen