This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) led a bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) to Taiwan. Upon departure, Westerman released the following statement: 

"We will never yield to foreign aggressors. Taiwan is a vital ally in the United States’ efforts to support our allies in the Indo-Pacific and combat the growing threat posed by the People’s Republic of China. One way we can assist them is by filling their energy reserves with American-produced liquefied natural gas and decreasing the region’s reliance on energy from adversarial nations, a role that the State of Alaska is uniquely suited to fulfill. I thank President Lai and the people of Taiwan for their warm welcome and dedication to collaborating for a stronger Indo-Pacific and a brighter future for all."

Background

During their time in Taiwan, members met with the director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Raymond F. Greene, deputy director of the AIT, Jeremy Cornforth, President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Foreign Affairs Minister Lin Chia-Lung and CPC Corporation President Michael Chang and Vice President Jane Liao.  

Earlier this year, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a letter of intent with Taiwan’s CPC Corporation to sell liquified natural gas (LNG) to Taiwan from the Alaska LNG Project if its built. Conversations between the delegation and Taiwanese officials focused on opportunities to increase cooperation, trade and investment between the United States and Taiwan. 

The U.S. has vital security and economic interests throughout Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, particularly amid rising aggression in the region by the People’s Republic of China. Chairman Westerman has led the charge to strengthen the United States’ presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Last Congress, Westerman led a historic CODEL to the region in advance of the reauthorization of the Compacts of Free Association, visiting the Freely Associated States of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  

Members joining Chairman Westerman on the CODEL: 

U.S. Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.)
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)
U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah)
U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska)