Rep. Tokuda joins congressional delegation in Taiwan

This week, US Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is visiting Taiwan as part of a congressional delegation. 

On Tuesday, the delegation met with a number of officials including Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung. 

“It’s been more than 30 years since Hawaiʻi began a sister-state relationship with Taiwan and the common bonds and shared challenges we face are stronger than ever. As islands, we understand the urgent need to make our communities more resilient in the face of climate change, security threats, food insecurity, and the high cost of living that make it difficult for our families to survive,” said Tokuda. “Given our indigenous connections and long-standing cultural and historical ties, I’m proud to be part of this delegation reaffirming the United States’ and Congress’ commitment to Taiwan’s security and democracy and to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’ll continue to support critical relationships with allies and partners in the region to deter aggression and promote diplomacy to address shared challenges.” 

Besides diplomatic and security issues, Tokuda also encouraged Taiwan officials to restart direct flights between Taiwan and Hawaiʻi to strengthen economic and cultural connections and enhance tourism. Direct routes between Hawaiʻi and Taipei were discontinued during the pandemic, but previously provided Hawaiʻi residents and foreigners alike with the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and to connect with other regional countries like the Philippines. 

This is Tokuda’s second congressional delegation trip to Taiwan and will also include visits with the National Development Council, Ministry of National Defense, and Taichung Coast Guard Base. 

In addition to Tokuda, the visiting Democratic delegation consists of Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Jasmine Crockett (TX-30).