TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The American Institute in Taiwan (美國在台協會, AIT) announced on Wednesday (May 15) that it will send a delegation to attend the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
The delegation, comprising two former U.S. officials, a Taiwan expert, the current AIT chair, and the AIT director, underscores the U.S.'s commitment to Taiwan's democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
The delegation includes Brian Deese (狄斯), U.S. President Joe Biden's former top economic adviser, Richard Armitage (阿米塔吉), former Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Bush (卜睿哲), former AIT chair, Laura Rosenberger (羅森柏格), the current AIT chair, and AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk (孫曉雅).
Their visit, which includes attending the May 20 inauguration ceremony and meetings with various leaders, aims to convey the American people's congratulations to President Lai on becoming Taiwan's fifth democratically elected president.
The AIT stated that the delegation will also emphasize the United States' longstanding commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.