Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim thanked the U.S. July 2 for bolstering Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities in the face of growing military threats and for emphasizing the importance of cross-strait peace and stability.
The vice president made the remarks while attending a U.S. Independence Day event organized by the American Institute in Taiwan. Other high-profile attendees included Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and outgoing AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk.
Democracy and freedom have become essential elements of Taiwan’s identity and the cornerstone of Taiwan-U.S. relations, Hsiao said, citing the country’s decades of democratic development and the latest presidential and legislative elections in January.
According to Hsiao, Taiwan and the U.S. have made great strides in bilateral trade over the last year. The signing of the first agreement under the Taiwan-U.S. Initiative on 21st Century Trade has brought businesses and people from both sides closer, she said, adding that ties will be further strengthened by resolving issues such as double taxation.
Hsiao additionally expressed appreciation to the U.S. for helping Taiwan share its expertise and experience in areas including cybersecurity and women’s empowerment through platforms like the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. Such collaboration demonstrates that a robust Taiwan-U.S. relationship is good for the international community, she said, pledging that Taiwan will continue to be a force for good in the world.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, Hsiao said, adding that the government is committed to deepening cooperation with the U.S. to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific, as stated in President Lai Ching-te’s four pillars of peace action plan. She also took the opportunity to convey her best wishes to Oudkirk. (YCH-E)
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