US delegation visits Taiwan ahead of Double Ten, pledging support for a democratic Taiwan

2026-10-08 16:03 Hanna Bilinski

A delegation led by Brendan Boyle, the ranking Democrat on the United States House Budget Committee, is visiting Taiwan ahead of Double Ten Day. Boyle indicated that the purpose of the trip is to demonstrate the U.S.’s firm commitment to supporting a democratic Taiwan.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) welcomed the delegation with a luncheon this Wednesday afternoon, where the two sides held in-depth talks on Taiwan-U.S. economic, trade, and technology partnerships and regional security, among other issues.

Lin shared the results of his recent trip to the U.S. leading an industry delegation, as well as the unveiling ceremony of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Phoenix, Arizona. He expressed hope that the U.S. Congress will continue to support resolving the Taiwan-U.S. double taxation issue in order to further strengthen two-way investment.

The delegation also met with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on the same day, who emphasized the importance of Taiwan-U.S. cooperation in national security and defense technologies.

“We aim to move beyond military procurement toward joint research, development, and production, mutually enhancing our respective defense industries. We look forward to greater cooperation with the United States, especially in the development of drones and anti-drone systems, as well as the use of AI to assist in military decision-making and improving logistical and operational efficiency,” the president said.

In his remarks, Boyle emphasized that freedom and democratic ideals are shared convictions that Taiwan and the U.S. must never take for granted and continue to deepen. He also expressed his hope that the visit would further deepen Taiwan-U.S. relations and extended his best wishes for a successful Double Ten Day celebration.

Boyle’s delegation, which includes U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas and Tim Kennedy and other staff members, landed in Taiwan on Tuesday and will depart on Friday. The trip marks Boyle’s first ever visit to Taiwan.

Source: Rti (opens in a new window)

Taiwan president unveils light show celebrating 30 years of direct elections

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2026-10-08

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