In recent years, Taiwan and the US have also strengthened national defense exchanges and cooperation. We are grateful to the Biden administration for approving six military sales to Taiwan since assuming office. After US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan this August, China began conducting military exercises in the areas around Taiwan, unilaterally disrupting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. This September, the US government announced another military sale to Taiwan, demonstrating the great importance the US places on Taiwan's national security needs and its commitment to Taiwan's security.
Taiwan and the US are important strategic, economic, and trade partners. Our close bilateral ties are a cornerstone of a free, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
A few days ago, President Joe Biden of the US and President Emmanuel Macron of France held a meeting before issuing a joint statement reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to safeguard regional peace and stability and further bolster our cooperation with the US and other democratic partners around the world to jointly defend democratic values and counter authoritarian expansionism.