Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has met a delegation of cross-party lawmakers who will attend US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week.

The group is headed by the speaker of Taiwan's legislature, Han Kuo-yu. The ceremony will be held on January 20 in Washington.

Lai told the delegation on Thursday that he hopes they will convey Taiwan's wish to protect the sustainable development of global democracy with the US and the democratic camp, and prevent the expansion of totalitarianism.

Lai also stressed that he hopes Taiwan and the US will continue to advance their cooperation after the launch of the new administration, and achieve abundant results.

Trump has demanded that Taiwan increase its defense spending. He has also expressed frustration with Taiwan's chip industry, saying it puts US businesses at a disadvantage.

Han belongs to the Kuomintang, which is said to take a more conciliatory stance toward China. Observers say that heading the delegation with the legislative speaker is aimed at fending off criticism from Beijing, which opposes official exchanges between Taiwan and the US.