TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised the United States–China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) for its commitment to making the region safer. 

The USCC has consistently placed great importance on East Asian regional security, Lai said, per the Presidential Office. In the face of authoritarian expansion, Taiwan understands that strengthening its security is tantamount to bolstering regional security and promoting global peace and prosperity, he added.

China continues to increase its military actions around Taiwan and in the South China Sea, Lai said. The president pledged to handle cross-strait relations responsibly and maintain the regional status quo. The international community should not allow China to unilaterally set “red lines,” he said.

With the USCC’s encouragement, U.S. Congress has continued to enhance Taiwan-U.S. cooperation through legislation, Lai said. He pointed to the passage of the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act in April, which allotted NT$64.9 billion (US$2 billion) for military aid to Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific allies.

Lai thanked the Biden administration and congress for supporting the Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative. The first batch of agreements signed under this initiative has enhanced Taiwan-U.S. relations and helped Taiwan strengthen its economic resilience, he said.