Meeting with U.S. Congresswoman, John Chiang: Comprehensive Exchanges Help Enhance Taiwan-U.S. Relations

(Taipei, June 16, CNA by reporter Liu Kuan-ting) Legislative Yuan Vice President John Chiang met today with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath, Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), in Taipei. Chiang stated that beyond close economic and trade exchanges, the people-to-people ties between Taiwan and the United States are growing ever closer. In addition to congressional exchanges, he expressed hope for deepening cooperation between central and local governments, believing that comprehensive exchanges will help elevate Taiwan-U.S. relations.

Chiang, accompanied by Kuomintang legislator Chen Yung-kang, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chen Kuan-ting, and Taiwan People's Party legislator Hung Yu-hsiang, received the four-member delegation led by McBath, Vice Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Black Caucus.

Chiang recalled that in April 2025, he led a bipartisan group of legislators to visit Washington, D.C., where they were warmly received by U.S. congressional members. This marks the first time the Legislative Yuan has hosted a CBC delegation, fully demonstrating the strong friendship between the legislative bodies of Taiwan and the United States. In May, Chiang was invited by the Georgia Institute of Technology to visit Atlanta to discuss AI technology and robotics industries, and to explore industrial collaboration with state officials. Since McBath represents Georgia, Chiang expressed hope for continued deepening of exchanges between both sides.

Chiang noted that 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, and Taiwan-U.S. relations have become increasingly close through people-to-people interactions and congressional dialogues. In trade, Taiwan is the United States' fourth-largest trading partner, while the U.S. is Taiwan's largest. Additionally, direct flights between Taipei and Washington, D.C., will launch on June 26, significantly enhancing connectivity and further promoting exchanges.

To further deepen Taiwan-U.S. relations, Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu will lead a bipartisan legislative delegation to the U.S. to attend the 250th anniversary celebrations, and to meet with congressional leaders and political figures. Beyond congressional exchanges, Taiwan hopes to strengthen cooperation at both federal and state government levels. Amid rapid developments in AI, digital transformation, and geopolitical shifts, democratic partners must enhance collaboration. Chiang expressed confidence that comprehensive exchanges will help elevate Taiwan-U.S. relations.

Chiang emphasized that the Legislative Yuan has always valued exchanges with the U.S. Congress. The 'Taiwan-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Association,' established in 2024 with Chiang serving as Honorary Chair, now includes 71 legislators, making it one of the largest parliamentary friendship groups in the Legislative Yuan. The platform will continue to promote mutual visits and cooperation, contributing more to democratic values and the international community.

McBath stated that Taiwan-U.S. relations are built on a foundation of mutual trust, innovation, and cooperation, and have steadily developed over decades. She reiterated the U.S. Congress’s support for Taiwan. As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, she emphasized the importance of cultivating industrial talent, noting that talent development will profoundly impact future economic growth.

McBath expressed satisfaction at the close investment and industrial cooperation already established between Taiwan and Georgia, as well as North Carolina—represented by Congressman Fu Hsi—highlighting their contributions to advancing high-tech manufacturing and local employment. She hopes this visit will further underscore the close partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. and contribute to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Chen Yung-kang stated that the Legislative Yuan recently passed the 'Special Defense Budget Act,' and expressed hope for continued collaboration with the U.S. in safeguarding democracy and deepening talent exchanges. Chen Kuan-ting noted that Taiwan and the U.S. not only share democratic and human rights values but also maintain close cooperation in science, technology, and trade, especially in the space industry supply chain, where future collaboration holds great potential. Hung Yu-hsiang pointed out that Taiwan and the U.S. have a close relationship in the semiconductor industry, and beyond hardware investment, talent exchange should be strengthened to enhance overall competitiveness. (Edited by Su Lung-chi, Wan Shu-chang) 1150616