AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger Remarks to
Diaspora Gala in New York
March 29, 2023 at 7pm
–As prepared for delivery–
President Tsai, good evening. Representative Hsiao, Governor Murphy, Ladies and Gentlemen, what an honor it is to represent the American Institute in Taiwan tonight here in New York.
I took up the helm of AIT as Chair a few short days ago, and it is particularly meaningful to me that the first audience I have the pleasure to speak with includes important members of the Taiwanese diaspora community and U.S. leaders who care about our partnership with Taiwan. I know that you are business and civic-minded leaders whose work in your communities are considerable drivers of economic growth, cultural representation, and mutual respect between the United States and Taiwan.
Your ongoing contributions are vital to both the diversity and richness of American society and the strength of U.S.-Taiwan relations. These same attributes are reflected in the United States’ unofficial relationship with Taiwan, which has been guided for over 40 years by our one China policy, as well as the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques, and Six Assurances.
Economic growth
Taiwan is our 8th largest trading partner and a technological powerhouse. One of the most exciting recent developments in our trade relationship with Taiwan has been the launch of negotiations under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade.
We look forward to making quick progress as we negotiate a high-ambition trade initiative, and to expanding our cooperation on critical supply chains by increasing investment and trade.
Last October, for example, we hosted a delegation led by Taiwan Economic Minister Wang Mei-hua to Washington and witnessed multiple signing ceremonies to celebrate expanded commercial partnerships between our companies.
And of course, we welcome investments from large and small Taiwan companies, including GlobalWafer’s planned five-billion-dollar plant in Texas and TSMC’s expansion of its Arizona investment to a projected 40 billion dollars.
Representation and Development
The United States has been working to build partnerships that include Taiwan, such as providing assistance to Taiwan’s partners via development projects.
USAID and Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding last fall to expand cooperation on international development and humanitarian assistance around the world.
The United States is also working to include Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and multilateral forums. We are also intensely engaged with likeminded countries, helping to increase their understanding of the important role Taiwan plays in the global economy, in the Indo-Pacific, and further afield.
These are just a few examples of the many ways that Taiwan is contributing its expertise to communities large and small every day.
Mutual respect
The United States and Taiwan also have shared values, which is why we are so glad Taiwan is participating in the 2nd Summit for Democracy taking place this week. And of course, preserving peace and stability is the central and driving tenet of the United States’ long-standing cross-Strait policy. That peace and stability is critical, not only to regional but also global security and prosperity. This is what we are working toward with all of our partners, including Taiwan.
You’ve heard this before, but I’ll say it again here tonight: Taiwan is a force for good in the world and a valued friend. President Tsai, thank you for your steady leadership and commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity not only to the United States, but the world over.