The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in the United States, Michael McCaul, visited President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan today. President Tsai expressed his hope that the U.S. Congress will continue to assist Taiwan in strengthening its self-defense capabilities and enhancing exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. McCaul emphasized the importance of democratic countries uniting against aggression and tyranny.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that Chairman Michael McCaul was dispatched by House Speaker Mike Johnson to lead a bipartisan delegation of heavyweight members to congratulate President Tsai and Vice President Lai Ching-te on their inauguration. The delegation arrived in Taiwan on the evening of the 26th to celebrate the event.
During the meeting with President Tsai, Chairman McCaul, representing House Speaker Johnson, expressed gratitude for the swift congratulations extended by the U.S. House of Representatives upon President Tsai and Vice President Lai’s election. President Tsai warmly welcomed Chairman McCaul as an old friend of Taiwan, leading a bipartisan delegation to visit the country. This visit marks the first by a U.S. congressional delegation since his inauguration, demonstrating steadfast support for the new government and the people of Taiwan. President Tsai extended sincere appreciation to the visitors.
President Tsai highlighted the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act as a significant milestone in Taiwan-U.S. relations. He mentioned the hearings organized by Chairman McCaul and Representative Young Kim on Taiwan-related issues, as well as a resolution commemorating the anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act proposed by Representative Andy Barr and others. President Tsai thanked the visitors for their unwavering support through actions that benefit Taiwan.
Looking ahead, President Tsai emphasized that the new government will uphold the “Four Upholds” principle and actively implement the “Four Pillars of National Security Strategy,” focusing on strengthening defense capabilities, economic resilience, deepening partnerships with democracies, and enhancing cross-strait leadership. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation with the U.S. and like-minded countries to uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
President Tsai expressed admiration for President Reagan’s “Peace Through Strength” concept, vowing to promote defense reform and showcase Taiwan’s determination to defend its homeland. He regarded the visiting congress members as crucial allies in the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, expressing hope for continued U.S. legislative support in enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and promoting exchanges and cooperation with the U.S.
President Tsai also thanked the U.S. Congress for passing the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, demonstrating a firm commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He appreciated the efforts leading to the Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative. President Tsai anticipated fruitful outcomes from ongoing negotiations and swift resolution of the double taxation issue to facilitate bilateral investments and industry collaboration. Looking to the future, he believed that Taiwan-U.S. relations would deepen, ushering in a new chapter of fruitful exchanges.
Chairman McCaul, in his address, conveyed the delegation’s love for Taiwan and congratulated President Tsai on his successful election, emphasizing Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. He recalled his previous visit to Taiwan a year ago and meeting with then Vice President Tsai, expressing pleasure that Taiwan now has a strong leader and the people are eager for future cooperation.
McCaul highlighted that they were the first official delegation from the U.S. to visit Taiwan post-inauguration. He assured President Tsai of bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress, irrespective of party lines, reaffirming the backing of the American people for the island. He echoed the importance of Taiwan as an innovative engine for democratic countries, transforming into a tech powerhouse through freedom and democracy. McCaul took pride in the CHIP Act that strengthens economic ties between the two nations. He mentioned that 60% of international trade and 90% of advanced semiconductors transit through the Taiwan Strait.
McCaul pledged to work towards resolving the double taxation issue, fostering increased American investments in Taiwan and vice versa. He envisioned joint efforts in emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing to enhance prosperity and address societal challenges. Upholding General MacArthur’s description of Taiwan as an unsinkable aircraft carrier, McCaul assured continued U.S. support to protect the island’s peace and development. He reiterated the unwavering support of the U.S. Congress for Taiwan, emphasizing that coercive or intimidating actions would not deter routine congressional visits to Taiwan.
McCaul noted Taiwan’s resilience in the face of Chinese Communist Party threats, inspiring the world as a beacon of democracy and hope. He looked forward to a bright future of cooperation in maintaining regional peace and prosperity.
The visiting delegation today included U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Asia-Pacific Subcommittee Young Kim, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Joe Wilson, Andy Barr, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu and Director of the American Institute in Taiwan Sandra Oudkirk, among others, to meet with President Tsai at the Presidential Office, attended by National Security Council Secretary-General David Tawei Lee.