NOTICIAS

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today issued the following statement after meeting with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen in Miami, FL:

“I was pleased to welcome President Tsai to Miami on her first trip to the United States since her inauguration as Taiwan’s President. We discussed ways to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan security and economic relationship, in which Florida plays an important role. Taiwan is one of Florida’s leading export markets in Asia, giving Florida companies vast potential to expand business opportunities with Taiwan. President Tsai having traveled here on the first nonstop flight from Asia to Miami International Airport ever, I’m hopeful it will lead to many more in the future and provide a big boost to our state and local economy.

“I told President Tsai that the United States will continue to stand by Taiwan irrespective of the pressure others bring to bear on the relationship because, after all, this is a partnership between two vibrant democracies and is based on our shared ideals. We must continue to advance our shared goal of an Asia that is prosperous, peaceful and free.

“The United States must and will continue to work with President Tsai in the coming years to deepen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.”

Background:

• According to the Taiwanese, this was the first meeting on U.S. soil between a sitting U.S. Senator and a sitting Taiwanese President since 2003.
• There are 40,000-50,000 Americans of Taiwanese descent currently living in Florida. In 2015, total trade between Taiwan and Florida‎ was $1.26 billion. Taiwan is currently Florida’s 6th largest export market in Asia.

Note: All photos can be credited to the office of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.