TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te assured the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council on Wednesday (Jan. 24) of his determination to uphold democracy and collaborate with like-minded partners to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region.
Accompanied by Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, Lai welcomed former U.S. Undersecretary of State Keith J. Krach and his delegation at the Presidential Office.
Lai emphasized that Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation aligns well with the main goals of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). He hopes it will become a strong foundation for Taiwan's future incorporation into the IPEF.
With gratitude, Lai acknowledged the strong support demonstrated by the U.S. following his and Hsiao's election as the 16th President and Vice President. He pointed out that not only did the U.S. promptly extend congratulations after the election, but they also sent high-level delegations to visit Taiwan.
Addressing the spread of Chinese authoritarianism, Lai noted that world leaders and countries have expressed solidarity by reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Lai thanked the U.S., the Biden administration in particular, for reaffirming their firm commitment to Taiwan's security through 12 arms sales and providing security assistance.
In conclusion, Lai acknowledged the proposals of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council and the proactive steps taken by the U.S. government and Congress to address the issue of double taxation on investments between the U.S. and Taiwan. He anticipated that the double-tax relief act can be successfully enacted this year, thereby strengthening key supply chain partnerships between Taiwan and the U.S.