Premier Su Tseng-chang received U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and her delegation Tuesday at the Executive Yuan. The premier thanked Senator Duckworth for her efforts a few weeks ago urging U.S. President Joe Biden to support Taiwan's inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and he expressed hope to continue strengthening Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade relations and promoting mutually beneficial ties.
Around this time last year, the premier said, Senator Duckworth and her fellow senators Chris Coons and Dan Sullivan paid a special visit to Taiwan to announce a U.S. donation of vaccines. The premier wished to once more express his gratitude to the U.S. for its prompt and effective assistance during a critical time for Taiwan under the pandemic.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shown to the world that authoritarian dictatorships need no justification to invade neighboring countries, the premier said, and Taiwan finds itself similarly facing an authoritarian regime in China, which has repeatedly declared that it will not rule out the use of force against Taiwan. In light of this situation, Taiwan has continued to strengthen our resolve and determination to defend ourselves. We have fortified our self-defense capabilities in all areas, and this year established the All-out Defense Mobilization Agency under the Ministry of National Defense to engage civilian forces to strengthen our resilience and efforts against any invasion. The premier pointed out that Senator Duckworth has extensive experience in national defense and hopes her visit will give Taiwan a better understanding in this regard. He also hopes the U.S. will provide more support to Taiwan in terms of reserve mobilization and cooperation with the U.S. National Guard, which will boost Taiwan's ability and resilience to defend against aggression.
Taiwan and the U.S. are also important trade partners, making it crucial to create a mutually beneficial relationship at the economic level, the premier said. Senator Duckworth, along with many other senators, wrote a letter a few weeks ago urging President Biden to include Taiwan in the IPEF, and has vigorously promoted economic and trade cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. The premier expressed his deep gratitude to the senator for her efforts, as well as his hopes to strengthen Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade ties and bring mutual benefits for both sides.