TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — The Taichung City Government replied "no comment" to questions about U.S. President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 elections on Monday (July 22) as city mayor Lu Shiow-yen prepares for her trip to the U.S.
According to Lu's plans, her 10-day visit will consist of ten U.S. cities, with the focus of her trip centered on the high-tech industry. This trip underscores the strengthening ties in the tech sector between Taiwan and the U.S.
Meanwhile, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) also plans to visit the U.S. in September, with an itinerary that includes New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. These visits aim to foster international collaboration and exchange.
The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) has been actively engaging with the Republican and Democratic Parties during the U.S. presidential election season. In July, the KMT sent a delegation to the Republican National Convention and has also announced plans to send representatives to the Democratic National Convention in August.
The KMT stated that they hope the July visits will help them better understand Republican policies on economic and trade issues, energy, and regional security. They also intend to exchange views with vital Republican figures and federal legislators.
The KMT insists that regardless of the outcome of the U.S. election, Taiwan must pragmatically ensure national security and pursue self-reliance. In addition to advocating for legislative amendments to enhance national defense and deterrence, they stressed that communication and dialogue are imperative to reduce regional conflict risks, adhering to their "2D Strategy (Defense, Dialogue)" policy direction.