President Tsai Ing-wen awarded Sept. 1 U.S. Rep. Ed Royce the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon for his contributions to advancing Taiwan-U.S. relations and supporting the country’s international participation.
Taiwan and the U.S. enjoy firm and robust exchanges largely due to the strong support of congressional leaders such as Royce, Tsai said. In his capacity as chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Royce plays a key role in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, she added.
According to the president, Royce is an important and longstanding friend of Taiwan. He has been invaluable in promoting legislation backing Taiwan, including a bipartisan measure reaffirming the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances in 2016, she said.
Royce was also a driving force behind the bill in 2014 authorizing the transfer by sale of up to four surplus U.S. Navy Perry-class frigates to Taiwan, as well as several resolutions endorsing the country’s participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization, Interpol and World Health Assembly, Tsai added.
The president took the opportunity to express her concern for those affected by Hurricane Harvey, stating that the people of Taiwan sympathize with the victims and stand ready to offer their assistance. On Aug. 30, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Taiwan would donate US$800,000 toward relief efforts assisting those affected by Harvey in the U.S.
In response, Royce described the honor as worthy recognition of efforts by all Americans who promote Taiwan-U.S. relations. Strengthening ties between the two sides is one of the top priorities of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, he said, adding that he looks forward to further cementing the bilateral collaborative relationship going forward.
The U.S. is committed to the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances, the congressman said, pledging to continue promoting two-way defense collaboration, supporting U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and backing the country’s international participation.
Another area of interest for Royce during his time in country is investigating ways of offering more travel options for Republic of China (Taiwan) nationals visiting the U.S.
Following Taiwan’s admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in October 2012, reciprocal visits surged by as much as 50 percent, he said. If direct flights can be established between Taiwan and Ontario International Airport in California, this would spur economic growth and create employment opportunities in Taiwan and the U.S., he added. (SFC-E)
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