Presidential Office thanks US government for continued support and strengthening Taiwan-US cooperative partnership
President Donald J. Trump formally signed the US federal government's Consolidated Appropriations Act for the 2021 fiscal year on December 27 (US EST), which includes the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 and also authorizes US$3 million for the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).
On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said on December 28 (Taipei time) that the Office of the President is grateful to the US administration and friends in Congress from both sides of the aisle for their tremendous support to help Taiwan upgrade our self-defense capabilities, promote our international participation, and continue implementing the GCTF.
Spokesperson Chang also said that the Office of the President is grateful to President Trump for supporting 11 military arms sales to Taiwan, clearly showing that the US government is taking concrete action to fulfill its security commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances to meet our strategic and defense needs. During President Trump's term, the passage of the Taiwan Travel Act allowed for more reciprocal visits between high-level Taiwan and US government officials, while also significantly deepening our cooperative partnership.
Spokesperson Chang then said that this appropriations act once again reaffirms US assistance in strengthening Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, and support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations. It also requires the US secretary of state to review guidelines governing relations with Taiwan, and submit a report to Congress based on the results of this review and the implementation of the Taiwan Travel Act. For the first time, US$3 million has also been authorized for GCTF-related activities. These commitments not only help expand Taiwan-US cooperation, but will also help Taiwan, the United States, and Japan continue to expand collaboration with like-minded countries via the GCTF platform in the future.
Spokesperson Chang emphasized that the United States is an important ally for Taiwan and a staunch partner that shares our democratic values. Over the past few years, joint Taiwan-US efforts have successfully promoted our cooperative partnership in fields including politics, economics, and security. As a responsible member of the global community and based on our existing firm foundation, Taiwan will continue to deepen that cooperative partnership with the United States and be a force for good in the world.