President Lai Awards Michael McCaul the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Brilliant Star

President Lai Qingde of Taiwan awarded Michael McCaul, Honorary Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the 'Grand Cordon of the Order of the Brilliant Star' today (April 4), in recognition of his outstanding contributions over the years to deepening U.S.-Taiwan relations and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

McCaul stated that in December 2025, the U.S. Congress approved the largest foreign military sale in history, valued at $11 billion. He expressed confidence that President Trump will soon submit another arms sale proposal to Congress, providing critical defense equipment worth $14 billion.

President Lai said the medal carries the most sincere respect of the people of Taiwan and symbolizes the deep friendship between Taiwan and the United States. Taiwan remains steadfast in defending democracy and believes that peace is secured through strength, which must be built upon a firm determination for self-defense. He particularly thanked McCaul for his long-standing support in enhancing Taiwan's national defense capabilities, including urging the U.S. administration to accelerate the delivery of military equipment to Taiwan. This year (2026), McCaul has also joined bipartisan members of Congress in supporting Taiwan's push for a defense special budget. These concrete actions fully demonstrate the U.S. Congress's firm commitment to Taiwan's security.

President Lai noted that Taiwan will continue to advance defense reforms, strengthen asymmetric warfare capabilities, establish a drone offense and defense system, and enhance societal defense resilience. He expressed hope to deepen cooperation with the United States, moving from military procurement toward joint research and joint production, working together to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Lai also mentioned that the Taiwan-U.S. partnership is rapidly expanding into economic, trade, and technological fields. Texas, represented by McCaul, is a major hub for energy and technology industries in the United States. Last year, Taiwan was the seventh-largest export market for Texas. The economic and trade exchanges and industrial cooperation between Taiwan and Texas have become a significant force driving the continued deepening of U.S.-Taiwan relations. Taiwan hopes to further strengthen its relationship with the United States, safeguarding peace with greater resolve and creating prosperity through closer collaboration.

McCaul reiterated that the Taiwan Relations Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1979, remains solidly in place and serves as the fundamental basis of bilateral relations. The United States must provide Taiwan with defensive weapons, and the U.S. is fulfilling this commitment. U.S. policy must not allow U.S.-China diplomatic relations to affect arms sales to Taiwan.

McCaul also shared his recent visit to the war zone in Ukraine, observing drone technology and production capabilities, and expressed his belief that these are critically important for Taiwan's future survival. He encouraged Taiwan to cooperate with other democratic nations that have successfully innovated to meet the challenges of modern warfare.

McCaul also congratulated Taiwan on passing the 'Defense Special Budget,' emphasizing the need for continued enhancement of Taiwan's defense capabilities and resilience, including cybersecurity, which is equally important as missiles and drones. He expressed confidence that President Trump will soon submit another arms sale proposal to Congress, providing additional defense equipment worth $14 billion.