Representative to the United States Alexander Yui Tah-ray (俞大㵢) said in a recent interview that Taiwan is willing to engage in dialogue with China regarding Taiwan Strait stability, provided it is from a position of strength. He emphasized that Taiwan thoroughly believes in ensuring peace through strength, that a robust national defense is necessary when dealing with other powerful aggressors.

Speaking on the Epoch Times “American Thought Leaders” program Saturday night, Yui pointed out how China claims Taiwan to be the biggest risk factor to U.S.-China relations. However, he said that, as China is the aggressor, the reverse is true: China is the biggest risk factor to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific region.  

Yui noted Taiwan’s position in the first island chain, as well as the many threats it faces from China’s military buildup, to gray-zone tactics, and economic coercion. Still, he said Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and social resilience. He pointed out that Taiwan has significantly increased defense spending over the last decade, mentioning the government’s additional defense budget of nearly US$40 billion currently being debated in the Legislature.

He also emphasized how Taiwan has become an important trading partner to the United States, especially in key areas like technology, AI development, semiconductors, and the promotion of a non-red supply chain. The representative pointed out the Pax Silica agreement, as well as several other MOUs signed just last year, including the eventual reciprocal trade agreement signed early this year.

Yui said that Taiwan truly values the support of friendly nations, such as the United States. He hopes the U.S. will pass legislation to strengthen procedures initially outlined in the trade agreement, especially related to avoiding a double taxation bill currently in the U.S. Senate, so that both sides can continue to deepen their bilateral partnership and investment.