Lai welcomes U.S. lawmakers, urges swift passage of tax relief bill

Taipei, June 16 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Monday welcomed a delegation of U.S. lawmakers and called for the swift passage of a bill aimed at eliminating double taxation between Taiwan and the United States, which he said would boost bilateral trade and investment.

Speaking at the Presidential Office, Lai thanked U.S. Representative Ami Bera, co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, for leading the bipartisan delegation. He noted that Bera last visited in January, shortly after Taiwan's presidential election, to demonstrate "support for Taiwan's democracy."

"This time, as head of the delegation of new members of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, he [Bera] is continuing to foster U.S. Congressional support for Taiwan," Lai said.

Lai reaffirmed his administration's efforts to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific, while also emphasizing the importance of enhancing economic ties with the U.S.

The president expressed hope that the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act will be passed and signed into law later this year.

The bill, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 15, is now under consideration in the Senate.

Taiwan's government previously said it would eliminate tax barriers, resolve issues of double taxation, and encourage greater economic and investment activity between the two sides.

During the meeting, Bera recalled his trip in January and said he believed they were the first congressional delegation to visit then President-elect Lai following his election victory.

He also said that it is crucial for democracies to work together to maintain peace in Asia.

"When we look at conflict in Europe, conflict in the Middle East, it is important for democracies to hold the peace in Asia. That's why it was important for us to bring a delegation of members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee," Bera said.

In addition to Bera, the all-Democratic delegation includes Representatives Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Julie Johnson, Sarah McBride and Johnny Olszewski -- all of whom are visiting Taiwan for the first time.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the delegation will also meet with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍).

Discussions during their stay, which runs from Monday through Wednesday, will cover Taiwan-U.S. relations, regional security, economic cooperation, and supply chain resilience, MOFA said.