Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued the following statement on Taiwan’s presidential election:

“I congratulate the 23 million people of Taiwan on a free and fair election.  Once again, Taiwan has demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of its democratic system.  Today, they’ve also proved that peace and democracy can thrive in Asia. 

“Taiwan has always been a strong friend and critical ally to the United States.  A stable and prosperous Taiwan is in the best interest of the U.S.  That is why I look forward to working closely with President-elect Dr. Tsai’s new government to strengthen all aspects of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship including security, economic, political and people-to-people ties.”

NOTE: As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Royce has made strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan relationship one of the Committee’s top priorities.  Last year, Chairman Royce led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Taiwan, his third visit to Taiwan in as many years.  Following the election, Chairman Royce sent a letter congratulating President-elect Dr. Tsai, who he has met several times in the past year.

###