President Tsai Ing-wen said Aug. 18 that the government is dedicated to further strengthening robust Taiwan-U.S. relations through expanded collaboration spanning areas such as bilateral trade and regional security.
Key international issues that will bring mutual benefits to both nations, like boosting investment and job creation, are of great importance to the Republic of China (Taiwan) government, she added.
Tsai made the remarks at the Office of the President while receiving a U.S. delegation visiting Taiwan to participate in an international forum in Taipei City the same day. The group comprised former U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon, Stephen Young, former director of the American Institute in Taiwan, as well as scholars from the Washington-based think tank Global Taiwan Institute.
The forum, titled Developing a New Framework for Taiwan-U.S. Relations under Changing Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific, was jointly organized by GTI and Taipei-based Taiwan Thinktank. Bringing together academics, experts as well as former U.S. government officials, the one-day event included talks and panel discussions on establishing a mechanism for cooperation between Taiwan and U.S. think tanks.
The president praised the event, saying it is important to adopt a new mentality to better address the changing climate in the Asia-Pacific.
Taiwan is working to expand its presence in the region through long-term efforts such as the New Southbound Policy, Tsai said. Through this initiative, the government is seeking to cultivate talent, increase investment and trade by exploring new business opportunities in the policy’s target nations as well as boost tourism exchanges in South and Southeast Asia, she added.
A key plank of Tsai’s national development strategy, the initiative aims to deepen Taiwan’s ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand in areas spanning agriculture, business, culture, education, tourism and trade. (KWS-E)
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