TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with a delegation led by US Representative Ami Bera, co-chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, on Monday morning.
Bera's delegation included five members of the US House of Representatives. Lai thanked the delegation for proposing Taiwan-friendly initiatives and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, per a Presidential Office press release.
Bera represents Sacramento County, a position he has held since 2013. He has been a staunch supporter of Taiwan for the past decade, and his last visit was in January 2024, soon after Lai was elected president.
Others in the delegation included new members of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, including Representatives Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Julie Johnson, Sara McBride, and Johnny Olszewski.
Lai said that over the years, "staunch bipartisan US congressional backing of Taiwan has been a key force for steadily advancing our bilateral relations." He said Taiwan has safeguarded peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, with the government and private sector enhancing defensive resilience and accelerating national defense reforms.
According to Lai, the government has also prioritized special budget allocations to ensure the defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP this year. "I hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation will evolve beyond military procurement to a partnership that encompasses joint research and development, further strengthening cooperation and exchange in the defense industry."
Lai noted that last month, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) visited Texas to see Taiwan-US collaboration in AI and semiconductors. Cabinet Secretary-General Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) also attended this year’s SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to working alongside the US to create mutual prosperity.
Lai also addressed the issue of Taiwan-US double taxation, hoping it could be resolved with legislation this year, clearing the way for more bilateral investment. "I want to thank Congressman Bera for co-leading a joint letter last November signed by over 100 members of Congress calling for such legislation."
Bera said it was an honor for him to be in Taiwan once again. He said it was an important time, not just for the US-Taiwan relationship, but for all relationships around the world.
He then raised the issue of ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, noting it was incumbent upon democracies to uphold peace in Asia. He said this was the reason why many members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee are making their first trip to Taiwan.
Bera said Taiwan enjoys broad bipartisan support in the US Congress. He also took a moment to recognize the passing of Congressman Gerald Connolly, who was a longtime friend of Taiwan and one of the co-chairs of the caucus.
According to Bera, there has always been a special bond between him and Lai because they share a common profession as doctors, one centered on healing, maintaining peace, and ensuring a prosperous future for everyone.
