United States Senator Jim Banks is leading a delegation to Taiwan and met with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) this Wednesday. Banks said the main objective of this trip is to reaffirm that the U.S. stood with Taiwan in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

Lai thanked Banks for the letter he and 37 bipartisan senators and representatives sent in February that jointly expressed concern about Taiwan’s special defense budget. The letter underscored China’s threats toward Taiwan and expressed support for Taiwan’s enhanced defense capabilities.

The president said he believes this letter conveys that Taiwan is not alone in facing authoritarian expansion and regional security challenges. While Taiwan has the support of like-minded partners, Lai said, it must demonstrate its determination to safeguard the nation, maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait, and ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Lai said, “Thirty years ago, facing a missile threat from China, the Taiwanese people did not back down; instead, they resolutely cast their votes. Thirty years later, Taiwan should continue to uphold democratic and free values and safeguard its hard-won democratic prosperity.”

Taiwan will not forget the actions taken by the United States to safeguard regional peace and stability during the Taiwan Strait crisis 30 years ago, Lai said.