TAIWAN – Last week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Taiwan to strengthen Arizona–Taiwan economic ties and discuss trade, technology, and national security. Gallego previously led a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Taiwan in 2018.

Senator Gallego took the inaugural nonstop flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Taipei on Wednesday.

On Friday, Senator Gallego met with President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim to discuss the deepening economic ties between Taiwan and Arizona. Arizona has the highest level of Taiwanese investment in the U.S., making it one of the country’s most significant overseas investment destinations, particularly in the semiconductor, aerospace, and information technology sectors.  

During the meeting, Senator Gallego emphasized how Taiwan’s investments – especially in semiconductors – are transforming Arizona’s economy, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and supporting high-paying jobs in the state:  

“It is a win-win for both of us. It’s certainly a win-win for Arizona. The amount of investment that is happening in Arizona right now from Taiwanese firms, especially TSMC is impressive. We Arizonans now travel the world, and we brag about this relationship, this investment. We are the envy of other states, and we want to continue to see that growth,” said Senator Gallego after the meeting. “I’ve spoken with many people here [to let them know] you have a dedicated Senate office to continue that growth, that collaboration, that is going to be both beneficial to Arizona [and] the United States, but we’ll also see that benefit coming back to Taiwan.”

Senator Gallego speaks with President Lai Ching-te (right)

“We also thank Senator Gallego for his active efforts to advance and support Taiwan-friendly legislation that strengthens bilateral cooperation, including initiatives to address issues such as double taxation. We look forward to continuing close cooperation with the United States across all areas to further deepen our bilateral partnership,” said a spokesperson for the President.

Senator Gallego meets with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim

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Later in the day, Senator Gallego met with senior executives at TSMC to discuss the company’s significant role in Arizona’s economy, including the $165 billion to expand its production in Arizona.

Senator Gallego meets with TSMC senior executives

After the meeting, the Senator highlighted the importance of continuing to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing to support U.S. economic competitiveness and national security:

“It’s an amazing collaboration. It really has drawn Arizona – and really the Southwest of the country – closer to Taiwan. It has also shown both the technological collaboration. Our local tech companies, our schools are all not really re-educating themselves to be ready for the jobs that TSMC is providing. Our local governments are now trying to figure out how to be more efficient so that way we can set up more of the industrial parks that that are necessary for the smaller suppliers. It’s also starting to create other collaborations among other techs – not just TSMC, not just in chips – but other companies are now looking at ways to collaborate more with Taiwan,” Senator Gallego said. “Arizona has been transformed because of Taiwan to be a top-tier state for tech. I think it’s going to be a joint benefit also to Taiwan.”  

Gallego then met with leaders of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, including Vice President Chiang Chi-chen, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chen Kuan-ting, and Taiwan People’s Party legislator Liu Shu-pin, to discuss trade and bilateral cooperation.

Senator Gallego with Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen

Senator Gallego meets with members of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, including Vice President Chiang Chi-chen (center)

Senator Gallego also met with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, National Defense Minister Wellington Koo, and National Security Advisor Joseph Wu to discuss focused on regional security, U.S. support for Taiwan, and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific amid increasing pressure from China.  

Senator Gallego has consistently fought for pro-Taiwan measures in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative in 2025.

Senator Gallego with Tawain’s National Defense Minister, Wellington Koo