US Representative Andy Barr said he plans to attend Vice President William Lai’s (賴清德) inauguration in May, and expressed support for Taiwan’s democracy and defense at an event in Washington on Tuesday.
The cochair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus made the comments at a news conference held by the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America (TCCNA).
Apart from attending the inauguration, Barr reiterated his support for Taiwan’s democracy and strengthening its military deterrence, as well as continued deepening of economic ties between the two nations.
Photo: CNA
Also speaking at the event, US Representative Young Kim said she would continue to strengthen the already-strong relationship between Taiwan and the US, especially in her new role as chair of the US House Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific.
Kim joked she is Taiwan’s “badass advocate” in Washington, taking it as her mission to ensure Taiwan receives the armaments it needs.
The news conference was held to publicize a door-to-door advocacy mission for Taiwan on Capitol Hill.
The goal is to strengthen Taiwan’s voice in Washington and accelerate progress on the double-taxation agreement, said Eugenia Pai (白越珠), a TCCNA vice president at its Washington branch.
Over the past few days, more than 30 Taiwanese businesspeople have visited US congressional members nonstop, she said, adding that everyone has expressed support, regardless of party affiliation.
Some advocates did not even have to say a word, with the lawmaker saying they fully support their proposals after reading their brief for a matter of seconds, Pai added.
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