President Lai Ching-te received Stanford University’s Hoover Institution delegation on Tuesday. In a meeting with scholars from the institution’s Project on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region, Lai spoke of Taiwan's goals, including strengthening democratic alliances and resolving Taiwan-U.S. double taxation.
In his speech, President Lai said that in recent years, the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and China’s military actions have posed significant threats to peace and stability globally. Lai also reiterated his commitment to his four-pillar plan for peace and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to protect democratic countries from authoritarian expansion.
Lai says the U.S. and Taiwan should continue working together to build a more secure and resilient supply chain. Therefore, he hopes that the two sides can promptly resolve the issue of double taxation and accelerate the Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative.
Delegation leader James O. Ellis Jr. commended Taiwan for its efforts in recent years. He says there has been a growing demand for Taiwanese exports and that this has played an indispensable role in evolving the global supply chain. However, Ellis warns that the world remains a dangerous place with increasing threats to safety and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Urging all democratic nations to unite to confront this reality, Ellis adds that Taiwan is an ideal partner in protecting shared democratic values.