President Lai receives Reagan Foundation delegation

2025/01/13

President Lai Ching-te said Jan. 9 that Taiwan would implement the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to ensure regional peace and contribute to global prosperity.

Lai met with a delegation from the California-based Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute led by its president, David Trulio, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.

Former U.S. President Reagan was a strong supporter and friend of Taiwan, Lai said, adding that the Six Assurances were proposed by Reagan in 1982 and the Taiwan Relations Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1979 and both have served as a firm basis for bilateral ties.

Reagan’s belief in peace through strength is vital at a time when authoritarian regimes are in the ascendant, Lai said. The rise of autocratic states shows the importance of unity between democracies to maintain rules-based international order, Lai added.

Lai conveyed gratitude to Trulio and the foundation for backing Taiwan despite China’s threats and anticipated furthering Taiwan-U.S. relations through working with the institute. He also thanked the foundation for the warm reception offered to former President Tsai Ing-wen during her stopover in California, April 2023.

In response, Trulio said that the visit comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. prepares to transition to a new administration. The delegation has been impressed with Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and its leading position in global economy and technology, he added.

The robust two-way partnership and U.S. defense deterrence are indispensable to security across the Taiwan Strait, Trulio noted. He concluded by anticipating that the two sides would continue to work together to fulfill mutual commitments to upholding democracy, freedom and stability.


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