Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of April 5 local time (early morning of April 6 Taipei time), President Tsai Ing-wen met with Speaker Kevin McCarthy of the US House of Representatives and a bipartisan group of congressional leaders at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. After the meeting, President Tsai and Speaker McCarthy made a joint press appearance.

A transcript of President Tsai's remarks follows:

I am delighted to visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library once again, this time with Speaker McCarthy and distinguished members of Congress. I want to thank Speaker McCarthy for his warm hospitality and for his invitation to bipartisan congressional leaders who have taken time out of their busy schedules to join us today. Their presence and unwavering support reassure the people of Taiwan that we are not isolated, and we are not alone.

It is especially fitting for us to meet here, to pay tribute to a distinguished American president and world leader. A man who also played a crucial role, in partnership with the US Congress, in protecting and fortifying US-Taiwan relations at a time of changing diplomatic realities. President Reagan's Six Assurances of 1982, on top of the landmark Taiwan Relations Act passed by Congress, laid the foundation for a strong and unique partnership of over four decades, during which we have maintained peace, promoted prosperity, and welcomed the advent of Taiwan's democracy.

However, it is no secret that today, the peace that we have maintained, and the democracy which we have worked hard to build, are facing unprecedented challenges. We once again find ourselves in a world where democracy is under threat, and the urgency of keeping the beacon of freedom shining cannot be understated. President Reagan said it best: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation."

In the discussion with congressional leaders this morning, I reiterated Taiwan's commitment to defending the peaceful status quo, where the people of Taiwan may continue to thrive in a free and open society. I also highlighted a belief which President Reagan championed, that to preserve peace, we must be strong. I would like to add that we are stronger when we are together.

For this, I also expressed our deepest gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese people to members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, on a number of initiatives that have helped to make Taiwan and our partnership stronger. Specifically, initiatives in the realm of enhancing Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, fostering robust trade and economic ties between us, and supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international community, have all served to safeguard our shared interests in peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan strives to be a reliable partner to the world, a cornerstone for stability in the region, and a force for good. There is a saying in the Confucian Analects, "one who is virtuous will not stand alone." In our efforts to protect our way of life, Taiwan is grateful to have the United States of America by our side. As we confront the unique challenges of our time, let us be mindful of the principles that have forged our great partnership and bear in mind the lessons of President Reagan's enduring legacy.

Once again, thank you, Speaker McCarthy, for your warmth and for your friendship. Thank you to all our friends in Congress, for standing by Taiwan.

Among those attending President Tsai's meeting with the bipartisan congressional leaders were Speaker McCarthy, Chair Peter Aguilar of the House Democratic Caucus, Chair Mike Gallagher and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, Chair Jason Smith of the Committee on Ways and Means, and House Members Adrian Smith, Seth Moulton, Ashley Hinson, John Moolenaar, Michelle Steel, Rob Wittman, Carlos Gimenez, Haley Stevens, Julia Brownley, Ritchie Torres, Trent Kelly, John Curtis, Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, and Ryan Zinke.