US delegation reiterates support for Taiwan

STANDING TOGETHER:
US Representative Lisa McClain underlined the importance of bolstering US-Taiwan ties, which would also promote peace around the world

• By Liu Tzu-hsuan / Staff reporter

Visiting US representatives yesterday reiterated staunch US support for Taiwan, and pledged to continue strengthening security, economic and social relations with the nation.

“By standing with Taiwan we send a clear message to Beijing and to the world. The United States will not waver in our commitment to defend freedom and uphold the principles of democracy,” US Representative Lisa McClain told a news conference in Taipei.

The bipartisan delegation’s visit was to look for ways that “we can strengthen this already strong relationship, as well as the bonds between the American and Taiwanese people,” US Representative Dan Kildee said.

“Let no one doubt our support for … Taiwan, for your people and our bright future together,” US Representative Mark Alford said.

The three lawmakers commended the resilience of Taiwanese in the face of constant threats from an authoritarian neighbor.

The US Congress is strengthening Washington’s security and economic ties with Taipei with concrete actions, such as the US House of Representatives last week approving a foreign aid package with US$8 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, Kildee said.

The US Senate was due to vote yesterday on US$95 billion in aid to Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel.

“When it comes to the need that Taiwan has to defend itself against any aggression, the United States will be there,” Kildee said.

Asked about US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing today, McClain said that she hoped Blinken would underline the importance of peace.

“China’s not our friend economically, educationally and militarily,” she said, adding that the US should “stand strong as a leader” for itself, and for the free world and democracy.

Kildee also urged Blinken to voice concerns about China’s provocative actions in the Indo-Pacific region, threats to freedom of navigation, unfair trade and economic practices, and violations of human rights.

Earlier yesterday, the delegation met with president-elect William Lai (賴清德), ​​who vowed to build on the efforts of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and continue bolstering the relationship between Taiwan and the US.

The vice president pledged to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait after taking office on May 20, adding that he is looking forward to deeper cooperation with like-minded nations such as the US.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which lays a solid foundation for the relations between Taiwan and the US, and serves as an important cornerstone of peace across the Taiwan Strait and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Lai said during the meeting with the delegation.

Over the past 45 years, the US Congress has always been steadfast in its support for Taiwan by passing Taiwan-friendly legislation to help strengthen the nation’s self-defense capabilities and deepen bilateral cooperation, he said.

The foreign aid package passed by the US House would bolster deterrence against authoritarian expansion and help enhance the confidence of Indo-Pacific nations in the US’ role in safeguarding regional democracy, he said.

The economic and trade relationship between the two sides has also been growing, which is not only beneficial to people and businesses in Taiwan and the US, but could help bolster economic resilience, he said.

McClain underlined the importance of bolstering ties between the US and Taiwan as it would also promote peace around the world.

The US cherishes its relationship with Taiwan, including military cooperation and economic exchanges, she said.

As a member of the US House Ways and Means Committee, Kildee said that he was glad to see the development of the economic and trade relationship between Taipei and Washington, adding that he hopes a second agreement under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade would be finalized soon.

The delegation is to meet with Tsai today and conclude the visit tomorrow.