Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday that the visit of an unofficial American delegation to the country shortly after the elections holds "great significance".

Lai Ching-te, who belongs to the Democratic Progressive Party, which Tsai is affiliated with, won the presidential election the day before yesterday, Saturday, after receiving 40.2%. He will be inaugurated on the upcoming May 20.

Tsai confirmed during the meeting on Monday at the Presidential Office that the visit of the American delegation is of great importance, "as it not only shows the United States' support for Taiwanese democracy, but also reflects the close and solid partnership between the two countries," according to a statement issued by her office.

According to the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto American embassy in Taipei, the delegation arrived in Taipei on Sunday. The delegation includes former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, and the head of the American Institute in Taiwan Laura Rosenberger.

The statement issued by Tsai’s office said that Hadley told the president that the delegation’s visit aims to affirm that the United States' commitment to Taiwan is steadfast and based on principles and bipartisan agreement.

Hadley said: "We look forward to continuing Taiwan-America relations under the leadership of the new government and jointly protecting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."

The American delegation also went to the Democratic Progressive Party headquarters to congratulate Lai and his deputy Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s former envoy to the United States.

During the meeting, Lai said that voters in Taiwan have shown the world their strong belief in democracy and freedom, two fundamental values shared by Taiwan and America, which also represent a long-term and solid basis for the partnership.

He added: "Over the past eight years, amid the rapidly changing world, Taiwan has been protecting democracy and peace and deepening partnerships with democratic partners including America in a steady and practical way. We have gained broad support and trust from the international community."

He explained that "although China continues to use military activities and other ambiguous actions that intrude on Taiwan, Taiwan can still respond calmly and cooperate with open-minded partners, including America, to seek to maintain the peaceful status quo across the Taiwan Strait."

It is noted that America is legally obligated to support Taiwan’s defense capabilities according to the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the island part of its territory.