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President Lai receives US Hoover Institution delegation

President Lai Ching-te said Sept. 10 that Taiwan is committed to deepening bilateral cooperation with the U.S. across the board and jointly advancing global development and prosperity.   Lai made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the U.S. think tank Hoover Institution at Stanford University and affiliates involved in its Project on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region. Led by Admiral James O. Ellis Jr., the group comprises former Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.   Taiwan stands on the frontline of the democratic world, Lai said, adding that the country continues to contribute to global democracy, peace and prosperity while the world is facing challenges such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s rising militancy.   The country will implement the four pillars of peace action plan to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, the president said, adding that he hopes that Taiwan, the U.S. and other democracies continue to cooperate closely to jointly support the democratic umbrella as protection from expanding authoritarian threats.   According to Lai, the relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. is strong and solid, and the two sides must build even more secure and resilient supply chains. He added that he looks forward to resolving the double taxation issue and expediting the next round of negotiations for the Taiwan-U.S. Initiative on 21st-Century Trade.   In response, Admiral Ellis said Taiwan is indispensable in a transforming and increasingly resilient global supply chain, as evidenced by its rising gross domestic production and growing global demand for its exports. Delegation members are also concerned about escalating threats to peace and stability for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific as what happens in one part of the world reverberates in others, he added.   Bilateral collaboration in areas spanning education, energy and engineering helps to strengthen mutual bonds, he said, adding that Taiwan is one of the U.S.’ best partners in preserving shared values. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw