Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) received a second delegation of U.S. senators on Wednesday. She thanked them for their timely visit, saying it affirms the U.S. Congress’s strong support for Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.
Hsiao recalled the senators' 2021 visit when they announced U.S. vaccine donations to Taiwan amid the pandemic. She said Taiwan is fortunate to benefit from their congressional support and diplomatic relationship and expressed her hope that cooperation between the two countries will persist in years to come.
Senators Dan Sullivan, Tammy Duckworth, Chris Coons, and Laphonza Butler praised Taiwan's decision to extend compulsory military service to one year and pledged to help bolster deterrence in the Taiwan Strait for regional stability.
Senator Sullivan discussed the global challenge of authoritarian expansionism, pointing to recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in deterring aggression in the Taiwan Strait. Sullivan also said he and fellow senators will encourage other democratic countries to pass bills similar to the STAND with Taiwan Act he proposed in 2022.
Regarding U.S.-Taiwan cooperation, Senator Duckworth dispelled concerns about Taiwanese investments in U.S. chip manufacturing. She reassured Hsiao that the relationship is built on strong ties throughout various sectors.