TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) held a reception on Tuesday (July 2) to celebrate the 248th U.S. Independence Day, inviting Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) to speak before the assembled crowd.
Hsiao said that Taiwan-U.S. relations are at the best point in history and thanked Washington for continuing to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities and maintain a commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is vital to the world, per CNA.
Other dignitaries attending the AIT event included Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕), Kuomintang Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫), Taiwan People's Party Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), and TSMC founder Morris Chang (張忠謀), among others.
Hsiao said that in the past few decades, Taiwan has ended martial law, established a democratic environment, and given citizens the right to self-determination. This year, Taiwan has completed yet another presidential and legislative election, proving that democracy and freedom are a shared value between Taiwan and the U.S.
Hsiao took the opportunity to acknowledge outgoing AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk, who recently completed a three-year term. Hsiao thanked Oudkirk for supporting the first phase of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade to avoid double taxation, leading to stronger business partnerships.
Hsiao said this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. She reiterated President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) "four pillars of peace,” with the Taiwan government committed to deepening cooperation with the U.S. to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
She was also grateful to the U.S. for sharing Taiwan’s experience in facing international challenges with Japan, Australia, and other allies through various platforms, such as the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).
Hsiao said all of these recent achievements indicate that Taiwan-U.S. relations are flourishing and a force for good for the rest of the world.