Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭 美琴) yesterday expressed gratitude to the United States for its support of Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and calls for cross-strait peace during a reception organized by the US de facto embassy in Taiwan to mark July 4 Independence Day.
In her address during the event organized by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) to celebrate the 248th anniversary of Independence Day, Hsiao sent congratulations to America for founding a nation built on principles of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
She said following decades of democratization, including the latest presidential and legislative elections this January, democracy and freedom have become “essential elements of Taiwanese identity and the cornerstone of Taiwan-U.S. relations.”
Photo: Ben Blanchard, Reuters
As Taiwan’s former top envoy to Washington from 2020 to 2023, Hsiao said she has had “a front-row seat in observing and working to deepen, broaden and strengthen the Taiwan-US partnership.”
Hsiao left the US post and returned to Taiwan last year to run for vice president along with presidential candidate William Lai (賴清德) in the Jan. 13 presidential election. The pair were successful.
In her speech, Hsiao also referenced a number of the achievements made by Taipei and Washington in recent years, including the signing of the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade in June 2023.
The deal has brought Taiwanese and American businesses and people closer together, Hsiao said, adding Taiwan’s government hopes both sides can move forward and resolve issues such as double taxation.
On the international front, Taiwan is grateful to the US for enabling it to share its expertise and experiences in dealing with complex global challenges on the world stage, she said.
“This does demonstrate that a very robust Taiwan-US relationship is also good for the world. And we certainly intend to continue to be that force for good in the world as a solid partner of the United States,” she said.
Taipei also appreciates American support for Taiwan’s defense capacities in the face of the growing military threat from China, she said.
Given AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk’s three-year tenure is nearing its end, Hsiao thanked the envoy for her dedication to enhancing Taiwan-US relations.
Oudkirk said the AIT remains committed to working with Taiwan in advancing the shared vision of a free, open, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
“We thank Taiwan for serving as a partner to the United States and promoting democratic values around the world,” she said.
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