Senior members of the US Senate armed service committee arrived in Friday to “re-emphasize the partnership and the security, friendship agreement” between the two countries, at a time when both seek to strike a trade deal with the US.
Republican Senator Roger Wicker, a vocal supporter of Taiwan in the US Congress, is leading a congressional delegation to the region which includes stops at Hawaii, Guam, Palau and the Philippines.
Why is the Congressional delegation in Taiwan?
“We stand here to re-emphasise the partnership and the security, friendship agreement that the United States has had with Taiwan for some decades,” Wicker told reporters ahead of meetings with President Lai Ching-te and other government officials.
The Republican senator vowed that the National Defense Authorization Act, due to be considered in the US Senate next week, would “add to the provisions again” when it came to Taiwan. But he stopped short of providing details.
The US delegation is set to meet government officials including President Lai over the day.
“Security, opportunities and progress for this part of the world” is on the agenda for the meetings, said Republican Senator Deb Fischer who is also part of the armed service committee.
Both China and Taiwan are aiming to strike trade deals with the US to offset US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Lai’s government has already pledged an increase in defense spending, something Washington has been asking of several countries in trade negotiations.
Concern for US-Taiwan ties under Trump
The US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a country but has long been the island’s largest arms supplier and security partner. Their forces often hold military drills, in a show of power to counter China.
Beijing has objected to Washington and Taipei’s growing relations, often condemning visits and blaming the western power for endangering peace on its territory.
However, Trump’s return to the White House has in Taipei over Washington’s willingness to defend the island
The trip falls just days ahead of Beijing’s mass military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Among those in attendance will be Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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