President Tsai meets American Institute in Taiwan Chairperson Laura Rosenberger
On the afternoon of April 19, President Tsai Ing-wen met with American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chairperson Laura Rosenberger. In remarks, President Tsai said that with Chairperson Rosenberger's nearly two decades of experience in Indo-Pacific affairs, she will surely inject greater dynamism into Taiwan-US relations. The president also expressed hope that Taiwan and the United States will engage in wide-ranging dialogue to strengthen our bilateral economic cooperation, provide even more opportunities for businesses in both our countries, and foster greater growth and prosperity.
A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:
Chairperson Rosenberger, I welcome you to Taiwan. As this is your first trip to Taiwan since taking up your new post, this visit is especially significant. Two weeks ago, while transiting through New York and Los Angeles, my delegation and I received a very warm welcome from you. I want to express special thanks to you for accompanying our delegation and to the US government for its assistance.
When serving as senior director for China and Taiwan on the White House National Security Council, you also maintained close contact with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States. And during your time on the National Security Council, you helped facilitate the donation of 4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan and invited Taiwan to attend the Summit for Democracy. These actions led to even closer cooperation between our two countries and expanded Taiwan's international space.
Chairperson Rosenberger, you have nearly two decades of experience in Indo-Pacific affairs. I am sure that you, having assumed the key position of AIT chair, will inject even more dynamism into Taiwan-US relations, strengthening our partnership while advancing freedom, openness, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Our recent transit stops in the United States during my visit to diplomatic allies gave the international community a better understanding of Taiwan's determination to safeguard freedom and democracy, and garnered even more support from democratic partners. The United States, in particular, is our staunch partner, with which we share the values of freedom and democracy. The Biden administration has reaffirmed the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances on numerous occasions, and announced nine rounds of military sales to Taiwan, firmly supporting Taiwan's efforts to bolster its self-defense capabilities, as we work together to uphold regional peace and stability. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincere appreciation for this. Beyond that, Taiwan and the United States also enjoy close cooperation in areas including economic and cultural affairs and education.
During your stay in Taiwan, Chairperson Rosenberger, you will attend the Hsieh Nien Fan hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan), reflecting the US government's emphasis on deepening our economic relations. Taiwan continues working tirelessly to create a friendlier investment environment here and we very much welcome continued US corporate investment in Taiwan.
Looking ahead, Taiwan hopes to strengthen our bilateral economic cooperation through a range of mechanisms for dialogue, including the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. We believe that the signing of an avoidance of double taxation agreement would help provide even more opportunities for businesses in both our countries and foster further growth and prosperity.
Chairperson Rosenberger then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows:
Thank you, President Tsai, [National Security Council] Secretary-General [Wellington] Koo (顧立雄), Foreign Minister [Joseph] Wu (吳釗燮) for your invitation to meet you here in Taiwan, and to continue the conversation we started when you transited New York and Los Angeles. It was my honor and privilege to be able to accompany you during your transits. And while today is my first full day here in Taiwan, I must say that I have been welcomed with very, very warm open arms, and it is wonderful to have that kind of reception here.
This is my first trip to Taiwan since 2017, and as you noted, my first trip in my new role as chair of the board of trustees of the American Institute in Taiwan. As you know AIT is responsible for managing the unofficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan. Regular travel to Taiwan and engagement with you is a key part of that responsibility and one that I very much look forward to.
I'm looking forward to meeting with other members of your administration as well as leaders from Taiwan's business community, civil society, and political parties in order to get a deeper sense of the people and society in your vibrant democracy.
Speaking at AmCham's gala Hsieh Nien Fan is also a special honor and I really look forward to it.
Taiwan is a valued friend and important trade partner, and is critical in maintaining peace and stability. There are many ways that we are working together, as you noted in your remarks, to broaden and deepen our partnership together, and I look forward to continuing that work. As I mentioned when I met Taiwanese Americans in New York and Los Angeles, Taiwan is a force for good in the world. So I look forward to working with you and your team in the months and years ahead.
Chairperson Rosenberger was accompanied to the Presidential Office by AIT Taipei Office Director Sandra Oudkirk.