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On the morning of May 28, President Tsai Ing-wen met with Commander-in-Chief Keith Harman of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States. In addition to thanking the VFW for its long-term support for Taiwan, the president also expressed hope that the visitors and their counterparts in Taiwan will share experiences in caring for military veterans.
In remarks, President Tsai said she was pleased to meet Commander-in-Chief Harman and Adjutant General Bob Wallace, the executive director of the VFW. Especially since this was the commander-in-chief's first time in Taiwan, the president expressed confidence that they will come away with a very good impression.
President Tsai pointed out that the VFW and VFW Auxiliary have almost 1.7 million members. They have a big impact on veterans affairs policy, and the US government also values their suggestions about related policies.
The president mentioned that each year, the VFW submits a resolution of support for the Republic of China (Taiwan), urging the US government and Congress to sell Taiwan the technology, weapons, and equipment we need for defense purposes, and to strengthen security-related bilateral cooperation and exchanges.
President Tsai thanked the VFW for its long-term support for Taiwan and also stated that the United States has always played an important role in maintaining regional security and stability. In addition to selling defensive weapons under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US government's cooperation and commitments on security issues have been crucial to stability in the Taiwan Strait, and within the region. The recently passed Taiwan Travel Act was also an important milestone in promoting frequent exchanges and reciprocal visits between high-ranking Taiwan and US government officials, she said.
Like the US, the president stated, caring for military veterans is important for the Taiwan government. Taiwan is using the world's most advanced medical treatments to give retired military personnel excellent medical care. She said that when the visitors tour Taipei Veterans General Hospital, they can share their experiences in providing this kind of medical care with their counterparts in Taiwan.
President Tsai also noted that the Taiwan government is adapting to a changing population structure by promoting our Long-term Care 2.0 Plan. And one of the foundations of that plan is our long-term, cumulative experience caring for military veterans.
