TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te welcomed Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, to the Presidential Office on Monday. McCaul, appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson, arrived in Taiwan the previous evening, leading a bipartisan delegation to celebrate the inauguration of the new president and vice president and voice support for Taiwan.
Lai noted that the delegation led by McCaul was the first American congressional delegation to visit Taiwan since he took office as president. In response, McCaul praised, "First of all, I would like to note the boldness of your recent inaugural address. When you said 'sovereignty lies in the hands of the people.'"
McCaul has a significant connection with Taiwan. He visited Taiwan for two days on April 6 last year, shortly after a meeting between then-President Tsai Ing-wen and then-U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. Although Tsai Ing-wen had not yet returned to Taiwan, McCaul had already led a delegation waiting for her in Taipei. Following this, Beijing announced sanctions against McCaul.
McCaul also addressed the recent conclusion of China's Joint Sword-2024A military exercise, expressing U.S. support for Taiwan. "Just three days after your inauguration, Mr. President, China conducted intimidating military exercises, deploying 111 aircraft and 46 warships, demonstrating that they are not interested in taking Taiwan by peaceful means," McCaul stated.
President Lai highlighted the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, a cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations, and acknowledged McCaul and Representative Young Kim for their efforts in holding Taiwan-themed hearings and assisting Taiwan.
Lai also thanked Representative Andy Barr, co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, and the other three co-chairs for proposing a resolution commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Many delegation members signed in support of the resolution, demonstrating their deep affection and support for Taiwan.
Lai pledged to deepen cooperation with the U.S. and like-minded countries to maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He endorsed Reagan's philosophy of "peace through strength," promising to promote defense reforms, enhance defense capabilities, and demonstrate Taiwan's determination to defend its homeland.
Lai expressed hope that the U.S. Congress will continue to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and cooperation through various legislative actions. He believes that U.S.-Taiwan relations will continue to deepen, opening a new chapter and yielding more fruitful exchanges.