Taiwanese need to demonstrate their resolve to defend freedom, democracy and the nation’s sovereignty, while increasing the defense budget and accelerating military reforms to garner more support internationally, vice president-elect Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said yesterday.
Hsiao made the remarks in a speech at a forum in Taipei on the 45th anniversary of the US’ Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which is a foundation for Washington’s policy toward Taipei in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Hsiao, who is to take office on May 20, reiterated president-elect William Lai’s (賴清德) commitment to his “four-pillar” plan to safeguard peace and stability in Taiwan, which underscores the importance of defense, economic security, partnerships with other democracies and a stable and consistent cross-strait policy.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
Under Lai’s leadership, Taiwan would continue to be a steady and responsible member of the Indo-Pacific region, she told the forum hosted by the Formosa Republican Association.
Over the past eight years, President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) steady leadership has facilitated “a very smooth channel of communication” between Taiwan and the US and enabled a bilateral relationship built on “mutual trust” and “zero incidents,” Hsiao said.
Under Lai’s leadership, Taiwan would continue to be a “stable [and] responsible” member of the Indo-Pacific region and contribute to regional prosperity, Hsiao said, adding that this would be “key” to increasing goodwill between the two sides.
Relations between Taiwan and the US would continue to grow, despite both countries facing new global challenges, in particular Russia’s protracted war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war and China’s destabilizing activities in the region, she said.
Hsiao said she anticipates more bilateral collaboration in the fields of education, technology and culture, and hopes the US Congress will expedite the legislative process to eliminate double taxation with Taiwan.
The TRA was passed by the US Congress after Washington switched diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China to the People’s Republic of China. It was signed into law by then-US president Jimmy Carter on April 10, 1979.
The act has served as a legal framework for Washington in guiding its unofficial relations with Taipei, including providing arms to meet its defensive needs.
Additional reporting by Chen Cheng-yu
Taiwan last night blanked world No. 1 Japan 4-0 to win the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 for the first time. Taiwanese ace Lin Yu-min (林昱珉) held defending champions Japan to just one hit and no runs in the first four innings, before catcher Lin Chia-cheng (林家正) opened the fifth inning with a solo home run. That was soon followed by a three-run homer from Taiwanese captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) to put Taiwan ahead in the prestigious tournament of the world’s top 12 baseball teams. In addition to a superb performance from 21-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Lin, three more Taiwanese pitchers
SUPPORT: Arms sales to NATO Plus countries such as Japan, South Korea and Israel only have to be approved by the US Congress if they exceed US$25m The US should amend a law to add Taiwan to the list of “NATO Plus” allies and streamline future arms sales, a US commission said on Tuesday in its annual report to the US Congress. The recommendation was made in the annual report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), which contained chapters on US-China economic and trade ties, security relations, and Taiwan and Hong Kong. In the chapter on Taiwan, the commission urged the US Congress to “amend the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to include Taiwan on the list of ‘NATO Plus’ recipients,” referring to
Taiwan yesterday advanced to the gold medal match of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 for the first time in history, despite last night losing 9-6 to Japan. Taiwan advanced after the US defeated Venezuela in the first game on the last day of the Super Round. However, the US had no chance of advancing to the championship game unless it defeated Venezuela by at least nine points. The US won 6-5. As a result, the two teams — who both had one win and two losses in the Super Round — are to face off again in the
Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) said she would tender her resignation following criticism of her handling of alleged bullying by Ministry of Labor Workforce Development Agency branch director Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容) resulting in the death of an employee. The ministry yesterday gave Hsieh two demerits and said she is subject to review by the Disciplinary Court. The severest possible punishment would be her removal from office and being barred from government jobs indefinitely. Workforce Development Agency Director-General Tsai Meng-liang (蔡孟良) also received a major demerit and was transferred to another position. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) issued a formal apology
RSS