TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed the visiting US congressional delegation on Tuesday (Aug. 13), calling their trip a demonstration of Congress’ support for Taiwan and bilateral relations. 

The group of lawmakers, led by Representative Marilyn Strickland, arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for talks on regional security.

Lai said Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and freedom, according to the Presidential Office. He emphasized that in the face of authoritarian expansion, Taiwan looks forward to deepening cooperation with the US to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. 

Lai stressed that security in the Taiwan Strait is crucial to global stability and prosperity. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo, he said. 

Lai also pledged to increase the defense budget and collaborate with global partners to safeguard peace. 

The president thanked the US House of Representatives for promoting the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act and hoped Congress would soon resolve double taxation issues. This will enhance bilateral investment and industrial cooperation, he said.

Strickland pointed out that discussions between Taiwan and the US often focus on economic and trade cooperation and national defense security. Both countries do not wish to see Chinese aggression escalate into a conflict that might require US intervention, she said. Therefore, it is essential to project strength and demonstrate unity.

Strickland noted that while the partnership between Taiwan and the US is solid, adversaries attempt to undermine their democracies. These enemies use disinformation and interfere in elections to weaken alliances. “We will not accept such actions," she said, affirming that the US, Taiwan, and other partners will continue to promote democracy and freedom. 

Strickland hoped that this visit would further reinforce American solidarity with Taiwan.