TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is ready to bolster relations with the US, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said in a congratulatory message to US President Donald Trump.
“Taiwan eagerly looks forward to working hand in hand with the new administration and Congress to further strengthen Taiwan-U.S. relations on the existing foundation, jointly safeguarding democracy and freedom, and promoting global prosperity and development!” Lai wrote on Facebook.
The US is a key security and economic partner for Taiwan and the two countries cherish democracy and freedom, Lai said. He thanked the US for its “unwavering support” for Taiwan under successive administrations.
“We wish the new US administration under President Trump success in governance and national prosperity,” Lai added.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) also posted a Facebook message congratulating Trump. Lin said the foundation for close Taiwan-US economic ties was laid during Trump’s first term. Looking ahead, he hoped to deepen cooperation across various areas under the CHIPS and Science Act and the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue to foster mutually beneficial mechanisms.
The bilateral friendship not only endures but continues to grow stronger, Lin said. “We are full of confidence and anticipation for the future of Taiwan-US relations,” he said.
Together, the two countries will create more opportunities for collaboration and contribute to regional and global economic prosperity, Lin said.
Last week, former US Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Taiwan and met with Lai Ching-te (賴清德). Pence called on Trump to support Taiwan and provide it with the means to defend itself. He reiterated the US would not abandon its Indo-Pacific allies and advocated for a Taiwan-US free trade agreement.