TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — U.S. Representative Michael McCaul gifted a cowboy hat from his home state of Texas to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) during an official visit on Monday (May 27).
Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is on a trip to Taiwan with a six-member delegation that started on Sunday (May 26). McCaul and the delegation met with Lai in the Presidential Office, where the leaders warmly greeted each other, delivered remarks, and exchanged gifts.
Lai said they were the first U.S. congressional delegation to visit since he took office, demonstrating their firm support for the Taiwanese people and the new government. Lai said he admires former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's concept of “peace through strength.”
Lai pledged to promote national defense reform, enhance national defense strength, and show Taiwan's determination to “defend our homeland.” Lai described the members of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees as “important Taiwan-friendly forces.”
"With your support, I hope that Congress will continue to assist Taiwan in strengthening our self-defense capabilities through legislative action, thereby advancing bilateral exchanges and cooperation," said Lai.
During his speech, McCaul said “We love Taiwan” (我們愛台灣) in Mandarin, and the audience burst into applause. He congratulated Lai on his election and said it was proof of Taiwan's “thriving democracy.”
McCaul said China conducted "intimidating military exercises" around Taiwan last week, indicating that it has no intention of “taking Taiwan by peaceful means.” He said Taiwan has repeatedly shown its resilience and “can resist the CCP's coercion.”
He added that Taiwan's “bravery and courage inspires the world as a beacon of hope and democracy.” He emphasized that the U.S. will be Taiwan's reliable partner and stressed that “no amount of coercion or intimidation will slow down or stop the routine visits by Congress to Taiwan.”
After delivering remarks, McCaul and Lai exchanged gifts. McCaul gave Lai a black cowboy hat from Texas, which he serves in the House of Representatives.
Lai wore the hat, much to the amusement of McCaul. The two then posed for photos with Lai sporting the traditional Texan headwear.
