Congressman McCaul Receives the Order of the Brilliant Star from President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan

McCaul gives his keynote speech at the Ketagalan Forum

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. –Last week, I concluded my third trip to Taiwan. During the Korean War in 1950, General Douglas MacArthur famously called Taiwan an "unsinkable aircraft carrier." That is still true today. Taiwan stands as an enduring pillar of freedom to check and to stop the spread of the Chinese Communist Party’s malign influence across Asia. During my speech at the Ketagalan Forum in Taipei, I assured the Taiwanese people that they will always have a steadfast partner in the United States of America. 

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After the forum, I met with President Lai Ching-te, who honored me with the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon for my support of Taiwan. During our meeting, I spoke about how the CCP's aggression has only reinforced my commitment to support a free and peaceful Taiwan.

When I gifted him a cowboy hat, I was reminded of the strong values which bind us together. Cowboys symbolize freedom and resilience. Time will show that the cowboy of the west will always prevail against the authoritarian dragon of the east.

McCaul with Vice President Hsiao at the Grand Hotel in Taipei
I also met with Taiwan's Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, who discussed Taiwan's efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its defense technologies. The increasing belligerence of the Chinese Communist Party poses a direct threat — not only to Taiwan, but to the entire global balance of power. Taiwan is doing its part to face these challenges in the modern era and to preserve a peaceful, free, and democratic society in the face of Chinese hostility.

McCaul with Foreign Minister Lin and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
I then attended a luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and I discussed the ties between Texas and Taiwan — particularly Taiwan's recent investments in the semiconductor and technology industries in the Lone Star State.

I am proud that my CHIPS Act has strengthened our partnership in the technology industry and cemented our shared economic future. Taiwan is our 4th largest trading partner and has made significant investments in the U.S., especially in Texas. It is evident that the U.S.-Taiwan partnership has entered a new golden age.

McCaul met with members of the Legislative Yuan
Next, I met with members of Taiwan's parliament — the Legislative Yuan — and its speaker, President Han Kuo-yu, who presented me with an array of Taiwanese fruits. In the meeting, we discussed Taiwan's recent defense budget and the importance of drone production and coproduction with Taiwan. The development of the U.S.-Taiwan drone sector will create a hornets nest in defense of Taiwan.

Before departing Taiwan, I participated in meetings with Taiwan's National Security Council and Ministry of National Defense to discuss strengthening Taiwan's defenses against the CCP's malign agenda in the region.

I also visited Shield AI, a U.S. drone company operating in Taiwan, and Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). ITRI is the first organization outside the U.S. to certify that its drones contain no parts made in Communist China — a tremendous step toward freedom from CCP influence in their defense industry.

We are engaged in a generational fight — a competition for the very soul of the free world — and we cannot afford to lose. I will continue standing with Taiwan as we pursue a free and democratic future in which peace through strength prevails around the globe.