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President Tsai Ing-wen continued her Journey of Freedom, Democracy, and Sustainability at a reception with US Congress members on the evening of July 12 (early morning July 13 Taipei time). The president was grateful to the Congress members for their long-term efforts to enhance the relationship between Taiwan and the United States, as well as strong support for Taiwan's security. She expressed hope for working even more closely to strengthen the bilateral partnership, and look toward a brighter future.
The following is a translation of President Tsai's remarks:
I am delighted to be back in New York City, and to see so many old friends from Capitol Hill. I know you had a busy week in session, so I want to thank you for coming all the way from Washington, D.C. to be here today.
This is my 10th transit stop in a US city in the past three years, and New York has always had a special place in my heart. It is where I first experienced American democracy, setting me on the path to a lifetime of public service.
I'm sure all of you know a thing or two about a commitment to public service. For years, you have worked tirelessly to bring our countries closer together and establish a stronger legal foundation for our enduring partnership.
Building on the framework laid down by the TRA drafters 40 years ago, you have passed major laws and resolutions that are setting new milestones in Taiwan-US relations.
Here I want to specially mention Chairman Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Member Michael McCaul. Your leadership was crucial to the passage of the Taiwan Assurance Act on the House floor this year, and the enactment of the Taiwan Travel Act last year. And your support for resolutions backing our international participation have made you quite popular in Taiwan.
Just a few days ago, the US government approved a new US$2 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, and I want to thank you all for your robust support for Taiwan's security. Together, we are achieving the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I want to thank you all for your unwavering support.
Our countries' relationship is at its best in decades. But I believe the best is yet to come, thanks to your dedication, and Taiwan's determination.
And I look forward to working even more closely with all of you to strengthen our partnership, and look toward a brighter future, together.
Now, I ask you all to raise your glass in a toast to freedom, democracy, and our enduring partnership! Thank you.
Among those in attendance at the reception were Co-chair Robert Menendez of the US Senate Taiwan Caucus, Chairman Engel, Ranking Member McCaul, Chairman Ted Yoho of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, and Congressman Steve Chabot. Also attending the event were Taiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), and Representative to the United States Stanley Kao (高碩泰).
