President Tsai meets delegation led by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce
On the morning of March 27, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a visiting delegation led by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce. In addition to praising Chairman Royce for his contributions to bilateral relations, the president also stated that robust Taiwan-US relations are an important cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan, she said, has the ability, and the will, to cooperate with the US to make even greater contributions to the Indo-Pacific region.
President Tsai began her remarks by welcoming Chairman Royce back to Taiwan, and mentioned that when he visited in September 2017, she conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on him to recognize his contributions to Taiwan-US relations. Since then, as a result of the chairman's efforts, bilateral exchanges have made new progress, and the president thanked Chairman Royce for his assistance on behalf of the people of Taiwan.
The president also noted that Chairman Royce actively supported the recent launch of a new flight route for non-stop travel on China Airlines between Ontario International Airport in California and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. She was happy that the chairman was able to make this trip to Taiwan as part of the new route's inaugural flight. The launch of this new flight route, she said, together with Taiwan's admission to the US Global Entry program will enhance bilateral culture and tourism exchanges, and economic and trade ties.
President Tsai also made a point to thank Chairman Royce for vigorously supporting the Taiwan Travel Act, and helping to get it passed by the US Congress and signed by President Donald Trump. She emphasized that Taiwan will keep in touch with the US administration to promote more frequent reciprocal visits and exchanges so we can work together to develop a stronger cooperative partnership.
President Tsai said she feels that Taiwan-US relations have continued to improve in many areas since President Trump took office, with more high-level interaction, more frequent discussions on matters of mutual concern, and more diversified joint promotions of international cooperative projects. During that time, the US has provided extensive support and assistance for Taiwan's efforts to maintain security and participate in the international community. She noted that when President Trump visited Asia last November, in addition to laying out the US strategy for "a free and open Indo-Pacific region," he also stressed the leading role the US plays in the Indo-Pacific region. And just last week, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Alex Wong also visited Taiwan and delivered remarks, saying that "Taiwan's constitutional democracy is indeed an example for the entire Indo-Pacific." He also emphasized that "our relationship is undergirded—and animated—by shared and enduring values," and that "the US has been, is, and always will be Taiwan's closest friend and partner."
President Tsai expressed confidence that robust Taiwan-US relations are an important cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan, she said, has the ability, and the will, to cooperate with the US to make even greater contributions to the Indo-Pacific region.
In closing, President Tsai once again thanked Chairman Royce for his contributions to Taiwan-US relations. Noting that the chairman is set to retire when his term concludes at the end of this year, the president expressed hope that he will continue to care about Taiwan, see Taiwan as a second home, and come back often. She then wished the chairman a smooth and successful visit.