Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

While meeting on the afternoon of August 25 with a visiting delegation led by Rob Wittman, Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that Taiwan and the US share common values, and close cooperative relations on many issues. Through mutual efforts, the shared values of freedom, democracy, and human rights will continue to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region, she said.

In remarks, President Tsai first expressed a sincere welcome to the visitors. She said that for many years, thanks to the effort and support of friends with very similar ideals, Taiwan and the US have established a deep partnership. In particular, Chairman Wittman and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo have long played an important role by supporting Taiwan-US military cooperation as well as peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, US military deployments in the Asia-Pacific region also demonstrate the mutually beneficial partnership between Taiwan and the US.

The president stated that, as a responsible member in terms of regional security, Taiwan has actively and consistently increased investment in defense and strengthened defense capabilities and information security. Taiwan's recent determination to make its own aircraft and ships has also attracted significant attention. These efforts, said the president, will benefit stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. 

President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan and the US share common values and have always had close cooperative relations on many issues. She expressed hope that in the future the two sides will have even more frequent interaction like the current delegation visiting Taiwan, which she believes will be very helpful to increasing mutual trust and communication.

The president further pointed out that Taiwan and the US have a longstanding and firm cooperative relationship. Through the efforts of both sides, the values upheld by Taiwan and the US—freedom, democracy, and human rights—will continue to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

In remarks of his own, Chairman Wittman stated that the US takes its relationship with Taiwan very seriously, and feels inspired by Taiwan's continuous efforts to promote regional stability and prosperity. He also was extremely grateful, he said, for the leadership displayed by Taiwan in the Asia-Pacific region. He expressed hope for the continued positive development of Taiwan-US relations, and that the two sides will also seek out cooperative opportunities on the strategic and economic fronts.

The delegation was accompanied to the Office of the President by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Kin Moy.