President Lai Hopes for Taiwan-US Cooperation and Maintenance of Cross-Strait Status Quo on US 250th Anniversary

President Lai Ching-te stated at the 'US 250th Independence Anniversary Reception' today that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections. He noted that the Taiwanese people have built a democratic Taiwan without fear of Chinese missile threats, and he believes that democracy and freedom have brought Taiwan and the US closer together. He expressed hope for deepening cooperation and ensuring the peaceful and stable status quo of the Taiwan Strait, stating that no force or coercion should be allowed to change it, as this concerns global security and prosperity. The reception, hosted by AIT Director Raymond Greene, was attended by various dignitaries. President Lai called for continued deepening of economic cooperation, particularly in AI, and presented gifts including the autobiography of TSMC founder Morris Chang.