• By Lee I-chia / Journalist

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has always taken a balanced approach in establishing friendship with U.S. officials across party lines, and it will continue to work toward strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations under the new administration of US President-elect Donald Trump next year. the ministry said yesterday.

MOFA Director-General of the North American Affairs Department Wang Liang-yu (王良玉) made the remark in response to media questions at a routine press conference.

In recent days, US media have reported on some confirmed members as well as likely nominees to Trump’s cabinet, and Wang was asked to comment on his selection for key positions.

Photo: Screenshot from a Ministry of Foreign Affairs livestream

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and our representative offices abroad have long taken a balanced approach in their interactions with both American parties, establishing a broad network of friends,” she said, adding that he would continue to do so.

“After the election, the ministry will continue to pay attention to the formation of the new Trump administration and build on the existing foundation of a strong partnership to strengthen Taiwan-US relations,” Wang said.

Relatedly, the American Institute in Taiwan last week released a letter from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce and State to state governors and local governments to encourage cooperation with Taiwan, she said.

The letter emphasizes that Taiwan is a vital partner of the United States and encourages commercial, cultural, educational, people-to-people and other engagements with Taiwan, she said.

The letter also states that both sides should leverage their shared values ​​and strong relationships, she added.

This is the third time the U.S. federal government has sent a letter to its state and local governments and clearly expressed support for deepening economic and cultural ties with Taiwan.

The Department of Foreign Affairs thanks the U.S. government for encouraging engagement with Taiwan, she said.

Separately, President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday extended his congratulations to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba following his election as prime minister by Japanese lawmakers on Monday.

“I sincerely congratulate the Prime Minister on his re-election. Taiwan-Japan relations have always been close and friendly,” Lai wrote on X. “Taiwan looks forward to working with the new Japanese administration to further deepen bilateral relations. »

“Together, let us uphold the values ​​of democracy and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

This is Lai’s second congratulatory message to the leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the past 45 days.

Lai had previously sent similar congratulations to Ishiba on October 1 after the prime minister’s victory in the LDP leadership race.

Additional CNA Reports