More U.S. State Offices in Taiwan Highlight Strengthening Bilateral Relations.

Taipei: A senior Taiwanese diplomat in charge of American affairs on Thursday praised the opening of more than a dozen representative offices in Taiwan by U.S. states over the past three years as "a testament to the vitality" of bilateral relations. Wang Liang-yu, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of North American Affairs, highlighted that over half of the total 24 American states and territories have opened or reopened their offices in Taiwan from 2022 to 2024. This was mentioned during a reception by the American State Offices Association in Taipei. According to Focus Taiwan, Wang emphasized that the establishment and reopening of these offices demonstrate the robust collaboration between Taiwan and the United States. She noted that this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed several state government-led trade missions to Taiwan, including delegations led by the governors of Michigan, Texas, and Idaho. These interactions underscore the mutual recognition that Taiwan and the Unite d States are ideal partners in fostering a strong and resilient relationship. Wang also pointed out that as global supply chains undergo significant restructuring, the ties between Taiwan and the U.S. are steadily expanding. In 2024 alone, five American states, namely New York State, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, and Indiana, opened representative offices in Taiwan. From 2022 to 2024, 14 American states expanded their presence in Taipei, reflecting the ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The American State Offices Association, founded in 1985, plays a critical role in facilitating and strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan. This growing network of state offices is a key component in the ongoing efforts to build a mutually beneficial partnership.