A delegation of scholars in foreign affairs and Asian policy research, led by Dr. Cecilia Rouse, President of the Brookings Institution, visited the Taiwan People’s Party on December 20th. Representing the party were Secretary-General Vincent Chou, Commissioner for External Affairs in the Chairman’s Office Tom Chou, as well as staff from the Foreign Affairs Department, Polling Center, and Policy Department. The two sides engaged in a lively one-hour discussion, exchanging views on Taiwan's political dynamics and U.S.-Taiwan relations following the U.S. elections.

In his remarks, Secretary-General Chou emphasized the necessity of increasing Taiwan's defense budget, stating, "We fully understand that peace comes at a price. Therefore, the Taiwan People’s Party neither will nor can relinquish its defensive capabilities or base peace solely on the goodwill of others." He further noted that Taiwan’s strategic position within the first island chain is integral to U.S. national interests and that deepening comprehensive U.S.-Taiwan relations is essential to maximizing the mutual benefits of both parties.

Secretary-General Vincent Chou continued by stating that deepening U.S.-Taiwan relations should not be limited to military cooperation. He expressed with confidence that fostering greater industrial cooperation and mutual benefits would not only contribute to the stability of Taiwanese society but also strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations. "We believe Taiwan belongs to the people of Taiwan, and our party exists to prioritize the well-being of the majority of Taiwanese citizens. That is why we are called the Taiwan People’s Party," Chou remarked. He emphasized that regardless of the intensity of domestic political competition, all political parties in Taiwan must remain united when facing external challenges and work together to expand Taiwan’s international presence—an unwavering principle of the party.

When addressing national defense issues, Secretary-General Vincent Chou stated that the Taiwan People’s Party advocates for "Taiwan’s sovereignty and cross-Strait peace". He expressed hope that domestic political parties could unite in their approach toward the Chinese government, emphasizing the need for a shared commitment to defending the nation against military incursions. Chou affirmed the Taiwan People’s Party’s support for acquiring sufficient military capabilities to counter Chinese aggression. However, it is unfortunate to see that TPP’s efforts to examine whether purchased weapons are aligned with the demands of modern warfare are often mischaracterized by the ruling party as opposition to such purchases. He also criticized some Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers for advocating significant budget cuts in the face of military challenges, which the Taiwan People’s Party does not endorse.

Commenting on Trump’s return to the White House, Vincent Chou highlighted the meeting between Biden and Trump at the White House as a demonstration of democratic maturity. He noted that every Taiwanese president, including Tsai Ing-wen, Ma Ying-jeou, and Chen Shui-bian, has engaged in post-election dialogue with opposition parties to ensure a smooth transition of power and promote domestic harmony. Chou specifically cited former President Chen Shui-bian, who, after his election, reached out to senior military leaders in a bid for cross-party reconciliation. Similarly, former President Tsai Ing-wen, despite leading a majority government, extended invitations to opposition parties for discussions. Unfortunately, Chou lamented that thus far, President Lai Ching-te, as a minority president, has yet to demonstrate such a level of statesmanship.

Towards the end of the meeting, members of the visiting delegation inquired about the reports of Ko Wen-je stepping down as party chair. Chou clarified that Chairman Ko had merely petitioned the court to send a letter, but the court not only made a ruling on the petition but also publicized the contents of the letter, which was unexpected. Chou emphasized, however, that the party firmly supports Chairman Ko in defending his integrity and stands by him as we move forward together.

The visiting delegation included Dr. Suzanne Maloney, Vice President and Director of the Foreign Policy Program at the Brookings Institution; Ryan Hass, Director of the John L. Thornton China Center and the Chen-Fu and Cecilia Yen Koo Chair in Taiwan Studies at Brookings; Dr. Mireya Solís, Director of the Center for Asia Policy Studies; and Jennifer Mason, Deputy Director of the Center for Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution. After the meeting, Secretary-General Vincent Chou presented the Taiwan People’s Party 5th Anniversary Beer Set, symbolizing the enduring friendship of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship ("cheers for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship").