FAPA CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT LAI CHING-TE AND VICE PRESIDENT HSIAO BI-KHIM ON THEIR INAUGURATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2024
Washington, D.C.

FAPA CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT LAI CHING-TE AND VICE PRESIDENT HSIAO BI-KHIM ON THEIR INAUGURATION

Washington, D.C. (May 20) The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) is proud to announce the publication of a full-page advertisement in today’s Washington Times newspaper, celebrating the May 20 inauguration of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim of Taiwan. FAPA congratulates the newly inaugurated leaders and reaffirms its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.

In his inaugural speech, Lai remarked that he would work to further advance Taiwan’s democratic values and deepen ties with the United States as a critical ally, expressing gratitude for the passage of the 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. He similarly thanked countries around the world for their consideration and support for Taiwan.

Call to Action: Congress Act NOW

In a full-page ad published in the Washington Times, FAPA also calls on Congress to take decisive action by inviting Taiwan’s democratically elected President, Lai Ching-te, to Washington, D.C. There are no legal restrictions on such a visit. In 2018, the Taiwan Travel Act was unanimously passed in Congress and was signed into U.S. law, effectively lifting all restrictions on high-level official visits between the U.S. and Taiwan.

FAPA Executive Director Chiao-Yun Anny Hsiao states: “We have witnessed the gradual normalization in U.S.-Taiwan relations in the past eight years. This year, we also celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, a key milestone in U.S.-Taiwan relations. We are delighted that Lai is committed to securing Taiwan’s vibrant democracy, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and global prosperity.

“Taiwan has shown the United States that it is a country that warrants diplomatic recognition. It is time to change the outdated policy and move towards formal U.S.-Taiwan diplomatic relations. The United States can begin by inviting President Lai for an official visit to Washington, D.C.”