On January 28, 2026, in Washington D.C., Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin delivered a key speech at the Atlantic Council, highlighting Taiwan’s vital contribution to establishing a robust global non-red supply chain. This presentation underscored Taiwan's commitment to independent development, especially in the AI sector, as industries worldwide aim to reduce dependencies on regions deemed as threats. The minister articulated Taiwan's resilience over the past decade, particularly amidst challenges like U.S.-China trade tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and evolving U.S. tariff policies. Kung noted that Taiwanese businesses have strategically reduced their reliance on the Chinese market in favor of expanding their global footprint, a shift vital to fortifying Taiwan's economic independence. He also mentioned the rapid growth in Taiwanese investment in the United States, revealing a staggering 36 percent annual increase from 2020 to 2024 in states like California, Arizona, and Texas. This growing economic partnership exemplifies Taiwan's importance as a reliable trading ally. Further solidifying relationships, Kama shared two significant developments: the bilateral investment memorandum signed in Washington and the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue held in Taipei City, both aimed at advancing cooperative economic efforts and expanding trade relations. The discussion focused on crucial sectors such as biotechnology, critical minerals, low-orbit satellites, and next-generation communication technologies, reinforcing Taiwan’s strategic position in the global market. During his visit, Kung also engaged in a private meeting with representatives from approximately 20 influential business associations and leading technology companies, including the National Foreign Trade Council, the Semiconductor Industry Association, and Micron Technology Inc. The U.S. participants expressed strong support for the recent Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration, characterizing Taiwan as an irreplaceable partner in building secure and innovative semiconductor and AI supply chains. Furthermore, Kung held discussions with several U.S. senators to advocate for a bilateral double taxation avoidance agreement, demonstrating Taiwan's proactive approach to enhancing economic relations.