Premier Cho Jung-tai on Wednesday received U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and her delegation, saying that the senator's fifth visit to Taiwan underscores her steadfast support for Taiwan and continued attention to developments in the Indo-Pacific. The premier noted that Taiwan and the U.S. are united in their commitment to upholding the universal values of democracy and freedom, with the two sides intending to expand cooperation in areas including joint programs for the research, development and production of drone systems and the advancement of counter-drone capabilities. He expressed hope that both sides will work together to build non-red supply chains and counter China's coercive activities worldwide.
Premier Cho highlighted the growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, pointing to China's unannounced large-scale military exercises and gray-zone operations around Taiwan and other countries, as well as its efforts to carry out transnational repression against Taiwan. He added that, following China's implementation of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law on July 1, an interagency coordination platform under the Executive Yuan has been established to address transnational repression. Furthermore, both the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of State issued statements last week against China's implementation of the law, and both Taiwan and the U.S. will continue to pursue deeper cooperation and take effective measures to curb China's coercive conduct around the world, he said.
The premier noted that Taiwan and the U.S. currently enjoy the closest relationship in their history. The two sides have recently signed important documents—including the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and U.S.-Taiwan Economic Security Cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on investment, and an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)—and are working toward signing an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (ADTA). In addition, the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education of Taiwan (FICHET) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) have signed a Letter of Intent to establish the U.S.-Taiwan Semiconductor Education Alliance, deepening cooperation for training and development in semiconductors and AI.
The premier said that, despite their different circumstances, Taiwan and the U.S. both remain committed to the same ideals of democracy and freedom, which they recognize as universal values. He looks forward to the two sides strengthening technological cooperation and continuing to work together to advance human progress and economic development.