Premier Su Tseng-chang received U.S. Senator Rick Scott and his delegation Friday at the Executive Yuan. The premier thanked Senator Scott for introducing several pro-Taiwan bills in the U.S. Congress, calling for Taiwan's participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, and supporting negotiations for a Taiwan-U.S. bilateral trade agreement. The premier hopes the development of free trade between the two nations will be further strengthened under the framework of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, enabling mutual benefits for both countries.
The entire world has witnessed how authoritarian Russia's unbridled invasion of its neighbor Ukraine has shaken the international order of peace, freedom and economic stability, the premier said. Authoritarian China also persists in expanding outward, constantly dispatching warplanes and warships near and around Taiwan, thus posing the greatest threat to our country. The premier emphasized that with China violating universal values, we will assuredly and resolutely engage in self-defense if it attempts to invade and annex Taiwan by force. And, together with the U.S., we will continue upholding values of freedom and democracy.
Senator Scott said in his remarks that Taiwan and the United States both truly believe in freedom, and America will provide the resources to help Taiwan and make sure Taiwan can defend its freedom.
"It's too bad what Russia's done in Ukraine. It's disgusting what Communist China is doing to cause unrest in this part of the world, but I think if all freedom-loving nations work together, that we'll be able to defeat whatever actions they take," the senator said.
The most important goal of this visit is to build good relations with Taiwan, Senator Scott continued. As Taiwanese businesses are well thought of in America and across the world, he hopes to be a positive force in helping Taiwanese companies find opportunities to invest in America, and helping more American companies invest in Taiwan. He also pledged to help make sure that Taiwan can sign agreements with not only the United States but other freedom-loving nations.