Taiwan Lawmakers Meet U.S. War Department, White House Officials on Drones, Co-production

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu led a bipartisan delegation to Washington D.C., engaging in significant discussions with U.S. Department of War and White House officials. Accompanied by representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., the delegation met with American counterparts on June 25th.

The meetings covered a range of critical issues, including joint research and development, potential co-production initiatives, support for Taiwan's burgeoning drone industry, and the persistent delays in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. U.S. officials reiterated their unwavering support for Taiwan's defense capabilities and affirmed that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.

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The Taiwanese people cherish democracy and freedom, and safeguarding democracy is etched in the DNA of all Taiwanese people.

Speaker Han conveyed the current situation within Taiwan's legislature, highlighting the challenges of a fragmented political landscape where no single party holds a majority. Despite diverse opinions, he stressed a strong consensus among all parties regarding the necessity of strengthening Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. He emphasized that the Taiwanese people cherish democracy and freedom, viewing the protection of these values as integral to their national identity.

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Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait not only concern Taiwan's security but also affect regional and even global stability and development.

Han underscored the profound importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, not only for Taiwan's security but also for regional and global stability. He acknowledged the crucial role of U.S. assistance in safeguarding Taiwan's security and expressed gratitude for the long-standing support, anticipating deeper cooperation. He also noted that Taiwan sometimes feels isolated on the international stage and believes that increased international visibility and broader friendships enhance its security.

During their visit, the delegation also met with the Heritage Foundation, a U.S. think tank, and visited the National Archives. The archives showcased valuable historical documents related to Taiwan, including President Carter's signed original Taiwan Relations Act and a congressional resolution authorizing the defense of Taiwan. The delegation also viewed the original Declaration of Independence, marking the 250th anniversary of American nationhood. The visit concluded with a dinner for overseas Chinese and Taiwanese business representatives, where Han highlighted the strong support from the U.S. Congress and pledged continued efforts to advance Taiwan's diplomatic standing.

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The more friends Taiwan has and the higher its visibility in the international community, the safer Taiwan will be.