Ingrid Larson, the Executive Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), visited Taiwan on October 28 to discuss issues of mutual interest such as regional security and trade and investment with relevant parties as the U.S. presidential election approaches. AIT emphasized that Larson’s visit demonstrates the strong commitment of the United States to Taiwan.
In a press release, AIT announced that Executive Director Larson would be in Taiwan from October 28 to November 1 to meet with various stakeholders, aiming to showcase the unwavering U.S. support for Taiwan and further enhance the growing partnership between the two nations.
During her visit, Larson will engage in discussions about continued cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan on issues related to mutual interests, including regional security, mutually beneficial trade and investment, as well as educational and cultural connections between the people of the two nations.
Prior to her visit, Larson attended the “U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference” where she highlighted a keynote speech by Taiwanese Deputy Minister of National Defense Xu Yanpu. She commended the efforts of Taiwan’s government under President Tsai Ing-wen to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities and societal resilience, including a 6% increase in the defense budget for the next fiscal year, reaching approximately $20 billion. Taiwan has prioritized strengthening the country’s societal resilience by establishing the “National Defense Resilience Steering Committee” within the Presidential Office, appointing a political commission to integrate resources from industry, government, academia, and civil society.
Larson stressed the United States’ ongoing commitment to assisting Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities. However, she emphasized that safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait goes beyond traditional defense measures and includes enhancing Taiwan’s overall societal resilience to ensure the country’s security, connectivity with the global community, and economic systems.
In May 2020, Larson assumed the role of Executive Director at the AIT headquarters in Washington. With 22 years of service at the U.S. Department of State, she previously held the position of Director of the Office of Taiwan Coordination, leading a team to coordinate U.S. policy towards Taiwan and promote U.S.-Taiwan exchanges. Larson has also served as Deputy Director in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Public Diplomacy, assisting in the formulation of strategic plans for Taiwan and the region.
Larson was promoted to the rank of Senior Foreign Service Officer in 2018. In addition to her role in Washington, she has been posted in countries such as Korea, Mexico, China, Tunisia, and Cyprus. Larson hails from Colorado, USA, graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in International Affairs and later gaining a law degree from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1994.