Taipei: Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus leader Tsai Chi-chang is set to lead a delegation to Washington, D.C. next week, focusing on cross-strait security, national defense, and bilateral trade during meetings with U.S. administration officials, lawmakers, and think tanks.

According to Focus Taiwan, Tsai stated that President and DPP Chairman Lai Ching-te selected him to lead the July 22-24 visit on behalf of the party's central leadership and legislative caucus. The five-member delegation will include DPP Policy Committee Executive Director Wu Szu-yao, Deputy Caucus Whips Puma Shen and Chen Pei-yu, and Wang Ting-yu, who leads the Legislative Yuan USA Caucus.

The primary aim of the trip is to express gratitude to the U.S. for its support while reaffirming Taiwan's commitment to maintaining peace and the cross-strait status quo. On defense, Tsai mentioned that the DPP will update U.S. counterparts on Taiwan's self-defense enhancement efforts, including legislative approval for a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$38.79 billion) defense expansion package. Lawmakers have approved the first NT$780 billion focused on acquiring U.S. weapons, with current reviews on legislation for domestically produced drones.

The delegation will also address expanding Taiwan-U.S. trade and investment, promote "non-red" supply chains, and encourage the U.S. Senate to pass legislation on eliminating double taxation after its approval in the House of Representatives.

Following the Washington visit, Tsai will engage with overseas Taiwanese groups before heading to New York to participate in the New York Mets' Taiwan Day on July 26, where he will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Tsai, who holds the position of commissioner of Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), plans to meet MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to discuss increasing baseball exchanges, hosting an MLB regular-season game in Taiwan, organizing exhibition games, and enhancing Taiwan's role in the World Baseball Classic. Additionally, he intends to visit MLB's Replay Operations Center in New York and meet Taiwanese players in the U.S., time permitting.