A delegation of US representatives led by US Congressional Taiwan Caucus cochair Ami Bera arrived in Taiwan for a three-day visit today.
This visit demonstrates US Congress’ ongoing support for Taiwan and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.
The delegation is made up entirely of Democratic Party representatives and also includes US representatives Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Julie Johnson, Sara McBridge and Johnny Olszewski.
Photo: I-Hwa Cheng, Bloomberg
Bera in particular has a long history of supporting Taiwan, having promoted Taiwan-friendly bills and Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, and opposed China’s “legal warfare,” the ministry said.
Other members of the delegation have also expressed public support for Taiwan, the ministry added.
The delegation has already met with President William Lai (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), and has scheduled a conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) to discuss issues such as Taiwan-US relations, regional security and supply chain resilience.
At their meeting, Lai told the delegates that the government is prioritizing a special budget to increase defense spending to 3 percent of GDP this year, adding that he hopes Taiwan-US military cooperation can expand to include joint research and development.
Lai thanked the delegates for their initiatives in support of Taiwan, bolstering Taiwan-US relations and continuing to focus on the stability of the Taiwan Strait.
Two-way investment and economic cooperation between Taiwan and the US can only get stronger, Lai said.
Hopefully, the bill to eliminate double taxation between Taiwan and the US would be passed into law this year, he added.
Lai also specially thanked Bera for writing joint letter on the taxation issue, which was signed by hundreds of members of congress.
Democracies should seek to protect freedom and peace in Asia, Bera said, adding that their visit comes at a critical time for Taiwan-US relations and the international community.
Bera said that he and Lai are both doctors and share the vision that everyone should be allowed to enjoy peace and prosperity.
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