Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) left for the US last night, vowing to improve the US’ understanding of Taiwan's position on arms procurement and other issues.
Approached by reporters in the legislature earlier yesterday, Wang said he would communicate to the US the importance of arms procurements for Taiwan and the need to seek a free trade agreement with the US.
The legislative speaker said he would also take the occasion to promote Taiwan’s efforts to cut carbon emissions and conserve energy and to highlight the value of Taiwan’s democratic development, which he said Washington should cherish.
Wang said he would help senior US politicians, members of Congress and academics at think tanks to understand the nation’s standpoints on key issues.
Wang is traveling to the US at the invitation of the Heritage Foundation, where he will deliver a speech titled “New beginning in a strong alliance” on a topic chosen by the foundation: renewing the Taiwan-US relationship.
Wang declined to elaborate on who he would meet during his trip.
Wang is scheduled to arrive in New York, where he will host a banquet for the UN representatives of the nation’s allies. He is also scheduled to throw the opening ball at a game between the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium tomorrow.
He will hold a press conference at the Twin Oak Garden in Washington next Wednesday and return to Taiwan on Aug. 3.
In related developments, Wang is scheduled to visit Narashi, Japan, on Aug. 7, where he will meet Japanese politicians.
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