On the afternoon of January 23, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) received a two-member delegation led by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego. He was accompanied by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang and Huang Chien-Hao, DPP Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting, and TPP Legislator Dr. Liu Shu-Pin.
In his remarks, Vice President Chiang first extended a warm welcome to Senator Ruben Gallego on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜), and shared his experience of visiting Arizona in 2022, during which he personally inspected the construction of TSMC facilities. Vice President Chiang also mentioned his visit to the U.S. and Paraguay two months earlier, noting that Arizona is the U.S. state receiving the largest amount of Taiwanese investment. Vice President Chiang remarked that although he was unable to visit Arizona during that trip, he looked forward to doing so via a direct flight in the future to witness the tangible outcomes of bilateral cooperation.
Vice President Chiang continued by noting that beyond cooperation in the semiconductor sector, he hoped the U.S. would expand investment in Taiwan, particularly in the areas of technological transformation and artificial intelligence, to promote industrial integration and achieve mutually beneficial economic and trade relations. He also mentioned recent discussions with U.S. counterparts on cooperation in robotics and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies, expressing confidence that such efforts would open a new chapter in Taiwan–U.S. cooperation, especially given Taiwan’s comprehensive supply chain for the drone industry. Regarding parliamentary exchanges, Vice President Chiang emphasized that the Legislative Yuan is willing to play a proactive role and looks forward to support from the U.S. Congress, particularly in expediting legislation to resolve the Taiwan–U.S. double taxation issue, thereby safeguarding Taiwanese investment in the U.S.
Senator Gallego stated that this visit marked his return to Taiwan following his previous trip in 2018, and that he has keenly felt the growing depth and closeness of Taiwan–U.S. relations. He noted that TSMC’s investment has not only reshaped Arizona’s industrial structure, but has also spurred robust growth in the local technology and artificial intelligence industries. In addition, Senator Gallego further welcomed the significant investment of Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) in southern Arizona. Senator Gallego emphasized that the U.S. Congress will continue to pursue mutually beneficial models of cooperation and agreed that the Senate should expedite passage of legislation on the avoidance of double taxation. He said that upon returning to the U.S., he will continue to actively advance such efforts to further enhance bilateral investment benefits.
During the exchange, Legislator Chen, addressing the issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, suggested that both sides further coordinate reciprocal measures such as tax exemptions to maximize the effectiveness of defense spending.
Legislator Chen noted that southern Taiwan has established an aerospace industrial park dedicated to the development of the drone industry, and that in light of strategic needs, joint Taiwan–U.S. production would help strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric defense capabilities.
Legislator Liu expressed serious concern over delays in the delivery of arms sales, noting that certain items have yet to arrive in Taiwan as scheduled, and urged the U.S. to provide appropriate supporting solutions.
In closing, Vice President Chiang underscored that mutual visits and parliamentary diplomacy are the cornerstones of sustaining bilateral relations, and expressed hope that exchanges between the two legislatures will continue to deepen. The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes in a cordial and lively atmosphere, and concluded successfully with the exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo. (2026/01/23)
