Trip promotes economic investment in Michigan, security in Indo-Pacific Region
TAIPEI, Taiwan—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) led a three-day bipartisan congressional delegation to Taiwan, where he met with Taiwanese political and business leaders.
During the bipartisan congressional delegation visit, Kildee was received by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, President-elect Dr. Lai Ching-te, Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu , Minister with Portfolio John Deng and Legislative Yuan Vice Speaker Johnny Chiang, among other official meetings.
During his visit, Kildee discussed a wide range of issues, including the recently passed national security law to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Last week, Congress passed, and President Joe Biden signed into law, a national security supplemental bill, which included support for America’s democratic allies and partners around the world, including Taiwan.
Kildee also discussed expanding trade relations with Taiwan and addressing unfair trade practices by the Chinese Communist Party that hurt Michigan and American workers. Congressman Kildee also promoted the Michigan-Taiwan office, which was opened by Governor Gretchen Whitmer this year to promote economic investment and build ties between Michigan and Taiwanese semiconductor and electric vehicle industries. Last year, Congress passed the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act, to approve the first agreement between the U.S. and Taiwan on important trade issues. The U.S. and Taiwan this week will resume negotiations towards a second phase agreement.
During his visit, Kildee visited ProLogium—a Taiwanese solid-state battery developer and manufacturer—to highlight Michigan’s growing role in electric vehicle manufacturing. Taiwan is Michigan’s fifth-largest source of imports and sixth-largest destination for exports in Asia.
Representatives Lisa McClain (MI-10) and Mark Alford (MO-04) were also part of Congressman Kildee’s bipartisan congressional delegation.
“It was an honor to visit Taiwan on a bipartisan congressional delegation,” stated Kildee. “Americans and the people of Taiwan are close friends and partners who share democratic values, close people to people ties and deep economic relationships. Our bipartisan congressional delegation held a series of high-level meetings with Taiwan’s political and business leaders to find ways to strengthen our relationship, including expanding economic investments that will benefit both the American people and people of Taiwan.”
