US Under Secretary of State Keith Krach has led a delegation to Taiwan to attend a memorial service for former President Lee Teng-hui.
Krach, who is in charge of economic growth, energy, and the environment, is the highest-ranking US official to visit Taiwan since 1979.
His delegation arrived in Taipei on Thursday afternoon for a three-day visit.
The foreign ministry says that Krach will attend a memorial service for former President Lee Teng-hui on Saturday. During his trip, Krach will also call on President Tsai Ing-wen and other government officials to exchange views on strengthening economic cooperation.
In late August, the US State Department set up a bilateral Economic and Commercial Dialogue with Taiwan, with Krach in charge. However, Taiwan’s envoy to the US, Hsiao bi-khim, said earlier that Krach will not hold trade talks with Taiwan during this trip, as more discussions and preparation are needed.