Taiwan receives another US delegation amid growing tensions with China
Taipei, Taiwan - Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday received another delegation from the United States amid rising tensions with China.
Eric Holcomb, governor of the US state of Indiana, arrived in Taipei on Sunday for a four-day trip.
His visit comes after recent trips by high-ranking Democrats Nancy Pelosi and Ed Markey drew ire from Beijing, which rejects official contacts between Taipei and other countries.
Beijing started large-scale military maneuvers around Taiwan in response to Pelosi's visit.
Tsai stressed in a presidential office meeting with Holcomb that the US and Taiwan are key security and economic allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Taiwan has been confronted by military threats from China, in and around the Taiwan Strait. At this moment, democratic allies must stand together and boost cooperation across all areas," Tsai told him. She also said Taiwan was eager to strengthen cooperation to build sustainable supply chains.
Holcomb signed a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs to facilitate bilateral business, trade, and scientific cooperation.
Holcomb told Tsai Indiana will continue to seek strategic partnerships with Taiwan and said he was excited about the prospect of future collaborations with Taiwan.
Holcomb plans to meet with other senior government officials and representatives from the semiconductor sector, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the island part of its territory.
Cover photo: REUTERS