President Tsai receives Sen. Duckworth, pledges to expand Taiwan-US economic ties

2022/06/02

President Tsai Ing-wen received U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and her delegation May 31 at the Presidential Office, pledging to deepen Taiwan-U.S. economic ties while reiterating the country’s willingness to participate in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.  
 
Taiwan and the U.S. are key economic and security partners in the Indo-Pacific, Tsai said. The two countries both imposed economic sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, she added.
 
Regarding regional security, the U.S. government and Congress have placed increasing importance on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, she said, citing a joint statement released by U.S. President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last week and remarks made by Secretary of State Antony Blinken a few days ago expressing similar sentiments.
 
According to Tsai, the government is committed to strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations while fostering bilateral trade cooperation. Taiwan’s inclusion in the IPEF as put forward by the U.S. government is a key facet in closer trade relations, she said.
 
Tsai also took the opportunity to express appreciation for the U.S. speaking up for Taiwan during the 75th World Health Assembly that took place May 22 to 28 in Geneva, as well as Duckworth’s sponsorship of the Taiwan Partnership Act and introduction of the Strengthen Taiwan’s Security Act to prioritize the country’s security as part of U.S. military deployment in the region.  
 
In response, Duckworth said the U.S. is on Taiwan’s side, and the country will not stand alone. Their partnership is true and valuable, she said, citing Taiwan’s donation of PPE and masks as well as its increased semiconductor production that helped save U.S. jobs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Duckworth reaffirmed her full alignment with Biden on engaging in closer economic and security relationships with Taiwan and noted strong bipartisan support for the country within Congress.
 
Following the meeting with Tsai, the delegation attended a function hosted by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “Minister Wu held a welcome banquet for @SenDuckworth & her delegation at historic Taipei Guest House. The atmosphere was warm & conducive to rewarding talks on #Taiwan-#US relations. We’re grateful to host such good & trusted friends at a time of international uncertainty.” 


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)