TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) received a delegation from U.S. think tank Project 2049 Institute on Thursday (April 11).

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) issued a press release stating that Hsiao met with the delegation led by Chair Randall G. Schriver, per CNA. DPP Acting Secretary-General Yang Yi-shan (楊懿珊) and party member Chiu Wen-li (邱雯莉) also attended the meeting.

Hsiao expressed her pleasure at meeting with long-time friend Schriver and his delegation, who have long been important friends of Taiwan in Washington, D.C. She thanked the them for their warm congratulations to her and Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

When the delegation inquired about the new government’s priorities and challenges, Hsiao said Taiwan’s issues are combating distorted political disinformation campaigns. These issues attempt to divide Taiwanese society, undermine public trust in the government, and weaken people’s confidence in the country, Hsiao said.

Regarding cross-strait issues, Hsiao said that cross-strait dialogue can help reduce risks and misunderstandings. Lai has repeatedly expressed openness to open cross-strait talks, saying this involves a willingness to engage in discussions with China on equal footing and without political preconditions, she said.

Hsiao said, in recent years, Taiwan’s contributions to the international community and its influence have been widely recognized. She said she hopes that there will be more joint efforts to maintain bipartisan American support for Taiwan.

Founded in 2008, Project 2049 Institute is a Virginia-based think tank focusing on U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific.