President Tsai Ing-wen greeted a cross-party U.S. House of Representatives delegation led by Mike Gallagher, chair of the body’s Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Feb. 22 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
Tsai welcomed the delegation, which includes committee Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. John Moolenaar, Rep. Dusty Johnson, and Rep. Seth Moulton, and said she hopes to further deepen exchanges with the U.S. to enhance the resilience of democratic supply chains while advancing global prosperity.
Tsai called the group members long-standing friends of Taiwan, citing Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi’s joint congratulatory statement following the country’s election in January. She added that the current visit reflects the two nations’ close partnership.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which has facilitated a deep two-way bond, the president said, adding that the policy recommendation report “Ten for Taiwan” issued by the committee last year shows the importance the organization attaches to Taiwan's security.
Tsai took the opportunity to thank the U.S. government and legislature for helping Taiwan reinforce its self-defense capabilities through the National Defense Authorization Act. The president also anticipated that Taiwan-U.S. double taxation would soon be lifted, thus enhancing the mutually beneficial trade climate.
In response, Gallagher emphasized the delegation’s composition of both Democrats and Republicans, adding that it demonstrates bipartisan U.S. support for Taiwan. He also lauded Tsai’s outstanding leadership, which has enabled the Democratic Progressive Party to win the presidency for three consecutive terms.
Krishnamoorthi complimented Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and robust economy and expressed satisfaction with its status as one of the U.S.’ top ten trade partners. The committee is proud to be Taiwan’s partner in the fight for world freedom, he concluded. (POC-E)
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