US State Legislative Leaders Visit Taiwan to Deepen Local and Economic Ties

A delegation from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has formally arrived in Taiwan for a visit, with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi hosting a banquet on behalf of the government to welcome the American guests from afar. During the meeting, both sides exchanged in-depth views on the close partnership between Taiwan and the United States, prospects for economic and trade cooperation, and subnational-level exchanges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed high appreciation for the organization's ongoing efforts in recent years to promote and pass various pro-Taiwan resolutions in state legislatures across the United States. It emphasized that Taiwan, serving as a vital front line in safeguarding democracy and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region, urgently requires continued substantive support from international allies and friends.

As the largest organization in the United States facilitating interaction between state legislators and private-sector representatives, ALEC has long brought together legislative elites from across the country. Through regular policy discussions and legislative coordination, the organization's members wield considerable influence over economic policies, trade regulations, and foreign engagement guidelines in U.S. states. The delegation's visit to Taiwan not only demonstrates the high level of attention paid by American local elected representatives to Taiwan's democratic development, but also symbolizes that the deepening of Taiwan-U.S. relations is no longer confined to the federal government level. Instead, it has taken deep root in every state, county, and local legislature across the United States, laying a more solid foundation of public opinion for bilateral relations.

During the banquet and interactions, Kansas State Representative Proctor made significant remarks regarding bilateral relations. He explicitly pointed out that the Taiwan-U.S. relationship is of utmost importance, and that their long-standing close cooperation across various fields has not only generated mutually beneficial results, but will also create entirely new and critical opportunities for future economic development. Proctor's remarks reflect the American local political arena's full recognition of Taiwan's pivotal role in the global supply chain. Particularly in high-tech manufacturing, the semiconductor industry, and the supply security of critical raw materials, Taiwan remains an indispensable and reliable partner for U.S. states seeking economic growth and industrial resilience.

Economic and trade exchanges between Taiwan and various U.S. states have always been exceptionally close, with many Midwestern and agricultural states serving as important suppliers of agricultural products and industrial raw materials to Taiwan. Amid shifting geopolitical landscapes and the wave of global supply chain restructuring, subnational-level economic and trade diplomacy has become more important than ever before. Through platforms like ALEC, Taiwan is able to communicate directly with decision-makers in U.S. states, explaining Taiwan's efforts and achievements in free trade, intellectual property protection, and fair competition. This not only helps narrow perceptual gaps in bilateral economic and trade cooperation, but also creates a favorable political atmosphere for advancing deeper bilateral trade agreements in the future.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi also reiterated during the gathering that Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners across all sectors in the United States, steadfastly upholding the universal values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Facing a complex and volatile international situation, Taiwan can only secure its footing amid fierce geopolitical competition by continuously strengthening its economic strength and national defense security while expanding substantive connections with the international community. The visit and positive stance of the ALEC delegation have undoubtedly injected a shot of confidence into Taiwan-U.S. relations, once again proving that Taiwan is not alone in the international community and enjoys steadfast friendship and support from across political parties and levels of government in the United States.