US lawmakers demonstrate support for Taiwan by visiting amidst China’s military drills | World News

A US congressional delegation met Taiwan’s new leader on Monday in a show of support days after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration. Rep. Andy Barr, the co-chair of the Taiwan caucus in the US Congress, emphasized the United States’ commitment to supporting Taiwan militarily, diplomatically, and economically.

“There should be no doubt, there should be no skepticism in the United States, Taiwan, or anywhere in the world, of American resolve to maintain the status quo and peace in the Taiwan Strait,” Barr stated during a news conference in Taipei after meeting with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

China considers Taiwan a renegade province that must come under its control, even by force if necessary. Despite not having formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the US is obligated by its laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

The Chinese government strongly opposed the congressional visit, stating that it undermined China-US relations and peace in the Taiwan Strait. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning in Beijing criticized the visit for sending a wrong signal to the separatist forces of Taiwan independence.

The delegation, led by Rep. Michael McCaul, included four Republicans and two Democrats. McCaul reaffirmed America’s commitment as a reliable partner and emphasized that no amount of coercion or intimidation would deter routine visits by Congress to Taiwan.

The visit comes at a critical time, with Taiwan’s new foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, acknowledging the importance of the American delegation’s gesture of solidarity amidst escalating tensions in the region. The delegation’s visit underscores the ongoing support for Taiwan from the United States despite objections from China.