Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang's U.S. Visit: Meetings with U.S. Representatives and Taiwanese Business Leaders to Discuss Taiwan-U.S. Trade and Investment Prospects, Expressing Gratitude for Elevating Taiwan's Global Presence.
Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang begins his overseas visit in Florida, a state with a population of approximately 23 million—on par with Taiwan's total population. Florida ranks as the third-largest state in the United States, following California and Texas. Florida's geography and climate conditions closely resemble those of Taiwan, with the state frequently being impacted by hurricanes during the summer and fall seasons. This year, two severe hurricanes caused significant casualties and extensive property damage. In response, the Taiwanese government donated US$300,000 on October 21 to support disaster relief efforts and help Florida residents return to normal life as quickly as possible.
Vice President Chiang arrived in Miami, Florida, on the morning of November 11, Eastern Time. He immediately participated in an interview with a local business magazine, where he discussed Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade relations and future cooperation opportunities. Subsequently, Vice President Chiang met with several Florida political dignitaries who are friendly to Taiwan, as well as U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. During the meeting, the Vice President briefed the American attendees on the continuing deepening of Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade relations. According to import and export trade statistics, in the first quarter of 2024, the United States once again surpassed China to become Taiwan's largest export destination after more than 20 years, highlighting the growing strength of the Taiwan-U.S. partnership. With a population comparable to that of Taiwan and the third-largest economy in the United States, Florida stands as a significant future economic and trade partner for Taiwan. Florida, located at a key crossroads between North America and Latin America, boasts tremendous trade potential and is the 15th largest economy in the world. Should it establish further cooperation with Taiwan, the 20th largest economy globally, both sides are poised to advance into the ranks of the top ten economies, fostering greater prosperity and development for both Taiwan and the United States. Finally, Vice President Chiang took this rare opportunity to invite the distinguished guests in attendance to visit Taiwan at an opportune time, extending the warm hospitality of the host.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick expressed her strong commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan partnership and ensuring the continued development of bilateral relations. She also expressed her hope to visit Taiwan during the new congressional session, with the aim of building a robust and enduring U.S.-Taiwan friendship.
In the evening, Vice President Chiang attended a banquet hosted by the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America (TCCNA). He remarked that his last visit to Miami was over 20 years ago, and he was deeply moved to revisit this familiar place. Invited to attend today, Vice President Chiang conveyed the gratitude of President Han and the Legislative Yuan to the Taiwanese business community. He expressed appreciation for their hard work and dedication, which has significantly increased Taiwan's visibility. During his visit, he was particularly moved to see the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) prominently displayed at Miami International Airport, which served as a prime example of how Taiwanese businesses have helped raise the international profile of Taiwan. Furthermore, Taiwan's diplomatic situation is particularly challenging; however, thanks to the efforts of Taiwanese businesspeople, Taiwan has gained many international friends. For every new friend the Republic of China (Taiwan) gains, it means one less adversary. The Vice President also pledged that while Taiwanese businesses continue to expand Taiwan's international presence, the Legislative Yuan will undoubtedly remain their strongest ally. This commitment is a clear and unwavering consensus across all parties in the Legislative Yuan. Finally, the Vice President wished for the event to be a resounding success and expressed his hope that Taiwanese businesspeople would have the opportunity to come back home more often.
Vice President Chiang arrived in Miami, Florida, on the morning of November 11, Eastern Time. He immediately participated in an interview with a local business magazine, where he discussed Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade relations and future cooperation opportunities. Subsequently, Vice President Chiang met with several Florida political dignitaries who are friendly to Taiwan, as well as U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. During the meeting, the Vice President briefed the American attendees on the continuing deepening of Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade relations. According to import and export trade statistics, in the first quarter of 2024, the United States once again surpassed China to become Taiwan's largest export destination after more than 20 years, highlighting the growing strength of the Taiwan-U.S. partnership. With a population comparable to that of Taiwan and the third-largest economy in the United States, Florida stands as a significant future economic and trade partner for Taiwan. Florida, located at a key crossroads between North America and Latin America, boasts tremendous trade potential and is the 15th largest economy in the world. Should it establish further cooperation with Taiwan, the 20th largest economy globally, both sides are poised to advance into the ranks of the top ten economies, fostering greater prosperity and development for both Taiwan and the United States. Finally, Vice President Chiang took this rare opportunity to invite the distinguished guests in attendance to visit Taiwan at an opportune time, extending the warm hospitality of the host.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick expressed her strong commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan partnership and ensuring the continued development of bilateral relations. She also expressed her hope to visit Taiwan during the new congressional session, with the aim of building a robust and enduring U.S.-Taiwan friendship.
In the evening, Vice President Chiang attended a banquet hosted by the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America (TCCNA). He remarked that his last visit to Miami was over 20 years ago, and he was deeply moved to revisit this familiar place. Invited to attend today, Vice President Chiang conveyed the gratitude of President Han and the Legislative Yuan to the Taiwanese business community. He expressed appreciation for their hard work and dedication, which has significantly increased Taiwan's visibility. During his visit, he was particularly moved to see the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) prominently displayed at Miami International Airport, which served as a prime example of how Taiwanese businesses have helped raise the international profile of Taiwan. Furthermore, Taiwan's diplomatic situation is particularly challenging; however, thanks to the efforts of Taiwanese businesspeople, Taiwan has gained many international friends. For every new friend the Republic of China (Taiwan) gains, it means one less adversary. The Vice President also pledged that while Taiwanese businesses continue to expand Taiwan's international presence, the Legislative Yuan will undoubtedly remain their strongest ally. This commitment is a clear and unwavering consensus across all parties in the Legislative Yuan. Finally, the Vice President wished for the event to be a resounding success and expressed his hope that Taiwanese businesspeople would have the opportunity to come back home more often.