In a meeting held by the expert scholars from Stanford University’s Hoover Institution on the “Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region Initiative,” they paid a visit to President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lai Ching-te. Retired General from the US Strategic Command expressed, “Taiwan is our best partner.” President Lai Ching-te expressed hope for Taiwan and the US to collaborate in building a more secure and resilient supply chain to promote global prosperity and development.
President Lai Ching-te met with the expert scholars from Stanford University’s Hoover Institution on the “Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region Initiative” today, thanking the institution for their in-depth research on Taiwan issues that have garnered Taiwan more international support.
During the speech by former commander of the US Strategic Command, General James Ellis, he expressed gratitude to President Lai for taking the time to meet with the visiting delegation and emphasized the importance of Taiwan in regional stability and prosperity. The delegation consists of experts specializing in Taiwan, China, US foreign policy, and national security, including prominent member Marise Payne, former Foreign Minister of Australia and current distinguished visiting scholar at Hoover Institution. This visit underscores the shared commitment to maintaining regional stability and prosperity and enhancing substantive exchanges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Ellis noted the progress Taiwan has made in addressing significant challenges since their last visit, praising Taiwan for its economic growth as the 8th largest economy in Asia and its vital role in the global supply chain. He commended Taiwan for continuously enhancing its self-defense capabilities, while the US and Indo-Pacific partners are dedicated to maintaining regional stability.
He highlighted the resilience of the global supply chain, emphasizing the invaluable role Taiwan plays in it. Ellis praised Taiwan’s democracy and the capabilities of its elected officials to address critical issues constructively and make important national decisions. He congratulated Taiwan on successfully holding free and fair elections, showcasing a model of peaceful democratic transition of power to the world.
Ellis pointed out the ongoing threats to the people of Taiwan and regional security in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite the delegation members’ diverse political leanings and academic perspectives, they recognize the interconnectedness of everyone’s future and the impact global events can have across borders.
“This is a historic moment where all democratic nations must take on new responsibilities and face reality together. Whether in times of peace, facing provocations, or crises, we can become stronger through cooperation in various fields. Collaborations between engineers, students, and cooperation in energy and security sectors between Taiwan and the US solidify our relationship and make us stronger,” emphasized Ellis.
Ellis stated that the purpose of the delegation’s visit was to listen and learn. As President Lai earlier mentioned, successful and sustainable cooperation is built on shared values. Ellis emphasized the importance of the commitment to upholding these values through future individual and collective actions, stating that Taiwan is their best partner in this historic journey.
During his address, President Lai stated that General Ellis led the Hoover Institution delegation to Taiwan once again. He expressed gratitude for the warm friendship and strong support shown to Taiwan by the delegation. As one of the most influential think tanks in the US, Hoover Institution’s insights on issues including the Taiwan Strait situation are highly valued by the US government and the international community.
President Lai indicated that recent events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Syria conflict, and China’s military actions, pose significant challenges to global peace and the rules-based international order. As a frontline democracy on the first island chain, Taiwan will continue to strive for contributions to global democracy, peace, and prosperity.
“We will actively implement the ‘Four Pillars of Peace’ action plan, including strengthening defense forces, constructing economic security, deepening partnerships with democratic nations, and maintaining leadership in stable and principled cross-strait relations to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” said Lai.
Lai mentioned the US efforts in shaping a “webbed” partner network to promote mutual support among Atlantic and Indo-Pacific alliance partners. Taiwan, along with global democratic partners like the US, aims to strengthen alliance forces and uphold the “democratic protection umbrella” to shield democratic nations from authoritarian expansion.
He emphasized the deep and solid partnership between Taiwan and the US and the need for both countries to collaborate in building a more secure and resilient supply chain in response to global authoritarian expansion. Lai expressed hope for resolving the issue of double taxation between Taiwan and the US at an early stage and accelerating the next phase of negotiations under the “Taiwan-US 21st Century Trade Initiative” to deepen cooperation in various areas and promote global prosperity together.
Lai stated that he believes democratic freedom is not only a shared value between Taiwan and the US but also a belief upheld by all the distinguished guests present. He thanked the guests for their visit, highlighting Hoover Institution’s strong support for Taiwan. “In the future, let us continue to strive and contribute to global democracy, peace, and prosperity,” he concluded.
The delegation also included senior research fellows Larry Diamond of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and distinguished visiting scholar Marise Payne, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Li-guo of the Republic of China and National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Zhao-shi.