Vice President Lai Ching-te (fifth right) receives a CAP delegation led by Chair Thomas Daschle (fifth left) March 12 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of PO)
 

Vice President Lai Ching-te said March 12 that he hoped to deepen collaboration with the U.S. to advance security and prosperity in the region.

Lai made the remarks while meeting with a Center for American Progress delegation led by Chair Thomas Daschle at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.

Lai thanked the group members for their staunch support of Taiwan, including former U.S. Representative David Price’s involvement in multiple bills backing Taiwan’s international participation and Michèle Flournoy’s visit to Taiwan as part of a contingent selected by President Biden following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Situated in a key position in the first island chain and facing escalating military threats from China, Taiwan is a major security and economic partner of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific, Lai said.

The president-elect also lauded CAP’s dedication to addressing climate change, enforcing environmental justice, enhancing ethnic equity, ensuring a resilient economic environment, rebuilding trust in democratic governance and strengthening public health, adding that these goals coincide with his blueprint for Taiwan’s future development.

In response, Daschle voiced his appreciation for Lai’s long-term commitment to public services. The chair said that Taiwan has set an example for all those fighting for democracy, civil rights and robust public health, adding that the think tank will continue working closely with Taiwan on diplomatic, economic and international affairs. (POC-E)