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President Tsai Ing-wen met on the morning of May 22 with a delegation from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), a body established by the US Congress. In addition to emphasizing the importance of a stable and steady Taiwan-US economic partnership, she also expressed hope that Taiwan and the US will engage in constructive dialogue about bilateral economic and trade issues.
President Tsai stated that after their visit to Taiwan last year, the USCC issued its 2017 Annual Report, which was tremendously supportive of Taiwan, recommending that the US Congress encourage the administration to invite Taiwan to participate in US-led bilateral and multilateral exercises. It also suggested upgrading high-level bilateral exchanges of government officials. So on behalf of the people of Taiwan, the president offered sincere thanks to her guests.
President Tsai pointed out that our world now faces many challenges, both traditional and nontraditional. So in the current political climate, USCC support for Taiwan-US relations is particularly important. And when the democratic values the two countries share are challenged, it's critical that we join forces and work together, she said.
The president then expressed her gratitude that 172 members of the US House, and a group of 13 Senators sent two separate letters to the WHO Director General supporting Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA). These congress members took a stand and spoke up for democratic and human rights values, highlighting the need for all members of the international community to support those values through action.
President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan is a responsible stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific region and has continuously worked to strengthen its regional role. She added that we are actively promoting our New Southbound Policy, working with countries in this region to promote prosperous development. At the same time, she said, we are constantly working to upgrade the Taiwan-US relationship. So next month, Taiwan will once again send a large delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington DC, she stated.
The president emphasized that a stable and steady Taiwan-US economic partnership benefits US economic security. So we hope the US will add Taiwan to the list of countries exempt from steel and aluminum tariffs under Section 232, and will continue constructive dialogue about bilateral economic and trade issues. She also said that we trust the USCC will emphasize the strategic importance of advanced Taiwan-US economic and trade relations.
In closing, President Tsai expressed hope that this trip would help her guests gain a better understanding of Taiwan's international plight, and that they will continue to lend their assistance in promoting closer interaction between Taiwan and the US.
Also included in the delegation were USCC Vice Chairman Carolyn Bartholomew and commission members Roy Kamphausen, Jonathan Stivers, Katherine Tobin, and Larry Wortzel.
