President Tsai meets American Institute in Taiwan Chairman James Moriarty
On the morning of June 13, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairman James Moriarty. The president emphasized that Taiwan and the United States share democratic values and will continue to enhance bilateral exchange and collaboration so that the two countries can overcome regional challenges together.
In remarks, President Tsai started by once again welcoming Chairman Moriarty and other distinguished guests to Taiwan. The president mentioned that she and the visitors witnessed the dedication of the new AIT compound on June 12. This testifies to the longstanding and enduring friendship between Taiwan and the United States, she said. It also highlights the steady advancement of bilateral relations and marks a major milestone in the deepening of the partnership between the two countries.
President Tsai pointed out that this past May Chairman Moriarty delivered an address entitled: "The United States and Taiwan: An Enduring Partnership" at Stanford University. He spoke of Taiwan's transformation into a beacon of democracy and the powerful example it offers to the Indo-Pacific region and the world. The president believes that the democratic values shared by Taiwan and the United States serve as the foundation for a strong bilateral partnership.
President Tsai mentioned that on the basis of the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the United States announced arms sales to Taiwan last year. This April, it approved a marketing license for US defense companies to participate in Taiwan's indigenous submarine program. In addition to expressing gratitude, she emphasized again that Taiwan is committed to engaging the United States in defense and security cooperation so that the two sides can work together to ensure regional peace and stability.
The president further pointed out that China's recent offensive to suppress Taiwan's diplomatic presence and frequent military actions underscore a unilateral attempt to change the status quo of peace and stability. These moves have increased tension in the region.
As we face these challenges, President Tsai said, she thanks the United States and other like-minded nations for supporting Taiwan in the international arena. We especially thank the United States for upholding justice and speaking up against Chinese pressure on international airlines to change their designation for Taiwan. The people of Taiwan deeply cherish the friendship that the United States has shown us.
President Tsai emphasized that since US President Donald Trump signed the Taiwan Travel Act into law, several senior US officials have visited Taiwan. Taiwan will again send a large delegation of business leaders to the SelectUSA Investment Summit later this month. The enhancement of bilateral exchanges and collaboration will certainly create more benefits for the people of both Taiwan and the United States, she said.
In closing, President Tsai once again welcomed Chairman Moriarty and the distinguished guests to Taiwan. She stated: "We look forward to strengthening our mutual trust and cooperation so that we can overcome regional challenges together."
Chairman Moriarty then delivered his remarks, and said that he was proud and happy to come to Taiwan for the opening of the new AIT building, which is not just a new building, but also a symbol of the closeness of the relationship between Taiwan and the United States, and a commitment to deepen that relationship going forward. And by continuing to meet its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, he said, one can see the US commitment to Taiwan.
He then said that the United States will continue its efforts to make sure that Taiwan continues to have an appropriate strong voice on the international stage, and as for the continued, increasing pressures that Taiwan is facing, the US is committed to working with Taiwan to address such challenges, and help maintain peace and stability.
Also included among the visitors were AIT Taipei Office Director Kin Moy, AIT Managing Director John Norris, and Director Jim Heller of the US State Department's Office of Taiwan Coordination.