《TAIPEI TIMES》 US’ Bergman to call for more support

REPRESENTATIVES’ DELEGATION: Vice President William Lai thanked the delegation for visiting at this ‘critical time,’ which is a concrete action to show support for Taiwan

By Liu Tzu-hsuan / Staff reporter

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US Representative Jack Bergman yesterday said that he would ask other members of the US Congress to recognize the importance of Washington’s partnership with Taiwan.

Bergman, a member of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, is leading a delegation to Taiwan from Wednesday to today.

He said the trip is to show the US Congress’ continued support for the Taiwan-US partnership.

Taiwan is a key partner of the US in the Indo-Pacific region, he said during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen （蔡英文） in Taipei, adding that the two enjoy strong security cooperation and economic ties.

Bergman said that he would continue to “assure their colleagues that this strategic relationship is key for the future security of the region.”

In addition to demonstrating support, the delegation plans to explore feasible cooperation that would live up to the expectations of both sides and achieve the common goal of countering China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the region, he said.

The delegation is also to meet with US personnel in Taiwan to learn more about bilateral ties to serve as a reference for plans to deepen the relationship, he said.

Tsai welcomed the delegation comprising three members of the Armed Services Committee, thanking them for their continued attention to Taiwan Strait issues, and for promoting exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the US to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Taiwan has been improving its defense autonomy in the past few years, including by building indigenous fighter jets and submarines, to demonstrate to the world its determination to defend itself, and protect democracy and freedom, she said.

She thanked the US government and Congress for assisting Taiwan to bolster its self-defense capabilities, including passing legislation to allocate funds for foreign military aid and expedite weapon deliveries to Taiwan.

Later yesterday, the delegation met with Vice President and president-elect William Lai （賴清德） and vice president-elect Hsiao Bi-khim （蕭美琴）, who are to be sworn in on May 20.

Lai thanked the delegation for visiting at this “critical time,” which is a concrete action to show support for Taiwan.

He said he looks forward to the US’ continued support for a safe, peaceful and stable region.

Taiwan is committed to economic and industrial development, which would not only benefit the people of Taiwan, but also contribute to prosperity around the world, he said.

The House committee continues to include elements of foreign military financing and presidential drawdown authority that would enhance Taiwan-US security cooperation in the National Defense Authorization Act it passes annually, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The cross-party delegation’s visit to Taipei has demonstrated Washington’s strong support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and security cooperation between the two sides, it said.

The American Institute in Taiwan （AIT） yesterday said that the delegation is part of a larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region.

US representatives Donald Norcross and Jimmy Panetta are also part of the delegation. They are to meet with senior Taiwanese leaders to discuss Taiwan-US ties, regional security, trade and investment, and other significant issues of mutual interest, the AIT said in a statement.

Additional reporting by CNA

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TAIPEI TIMES