The chair of the American Institute in Taiwan reiterated Monday Washington's commitment to assisting the democratic island in boosting its defense capacity and expanding its opportunities to participate on the global stage during a meeting with leader Tsai Ing-wen, the presidential office said.
Laura Rosenberger, the U.S.-based head of the institute, said the United States will ensure Taiwan has the ability to defend itself and will provide the island with the assistance it needs, adding that Washington's commitment is "rock-solid" and bipartisan, according to a statement issued by Tsai's office.
Noting that Taiwan plays an important role in the world economy, Rosenberger said she is looking forward to Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit meeting to be held in San Francisco next month, which will bring together 21 Pacific Rim economies.
Tsai expressed her gratitude to the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden for considering Taiwan's defense needs of great importance and assisting in maintaining regional peace and stability.
Rosenberger is on her third visit to the island since assuming her post in March. The institute, headquartered in Virginia just outside the U.S. capital, serves as Washington's de facto embassy in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties.
Communist-led China views Taiwan as a renegade province to be united with the mainland, by force if necessary. The United States is one of the island's most important arms suppliers and trade partners.
