Australia and Taiwan are moving to deepen ties, a positive sign for Taiwan's diplomatic standing and for both countries' trade and security in a tense Indo-Pacific.

• A cross-party group of Australian lawmakers led by Senate Deputy President Slade Brockman is visiting Taiwan to talk about closer cooperation.
• Brockman said Australia and Taiwan face the same geopolitical pressures in the Indo-Pacific, and keeping the region peaceful and stable is in Australia's own economic and security interest.
• Taiwan's foreign ministry called Australia a key like-minded democratic partner and said the two economies fit together well, with room to grow in energy, minerals, and farm goods.
• Taiwan's role as an essential link in the global chip supply chain is a big reason Australia wants to keep the relationship close.

Outlook: The delegation will meet Taiwan's legislature and party leaders during the visit, with both sides expected to push for more concrete trade and resource cooperation.