A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation has shown strong support for Taiwan, following the approval of $300 million in military aid and an additional $400 million to counter Chinese influence in the region. The United States recognizes Taiwan as a strategic ally, despite not officially recognizing it as a country. The delegation, led by Rep. Jack Bergman, emphasized the importance of the Taiwan-U.S. partnership in regional security. Congress views the protection of Taiwan as a matter of grave concern and is committed to ensuring the island’s ability to defend itself.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has increased military pressure by sending warships and fighter jets near the island regularly. The U.S. delegation’s visit comes amidst rising tensions in the region, with China vehemently opposing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The Defense Ministry in Beijing has called on the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and respect China’s sovereignty and security interests. Despite these challenges, the United States remains committed to supporting Taiwan’s self-defense and strengthening the Taiwan-U.S. partnership.
During the visit, the congressional delegation met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to reassure her of continued support from the United States. Rep. Bergman reiterated the strategic importance of the relationship between Taiwan and the U.S., particularly in countering China’s aggressive actions in the region. President Tsai expressed gratitude to the Biden administration and Congress for their assistance in bolstering Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities, stating that this support will strengthen the Taiwan-U.S. partnership. The delegation also met with Taiwan’s President-elect William Lai and Vice President-elect Bi-khim Hsiao, ahead of Taiwan’s new administration taking office on May 20.
China prohibits countries with diplomatic relations from having formal exchanges with Taiwan and regularly criticizes U.S. officials’ visits to the island. A previous visit by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022 resulted in China dispatching warships and military aircraft near Taiwan and freezing exchanges with the U.S. However, military-to-military contacts were later restored after diplomatic exchanges culminated in a meeting between the countries’ presidents. Taiwan has raised concerns about China’s military expansion near the island but is seeking to avoid escalation of tensions with Beijing while maintaining its security.
Despite the challenges posed by China’s increasing military pressure, the U.S. remains committed to ensuring Taiwan’s ability to defend itself and countering Chinese influence in the region. The bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation’s visit to Taiwan underscores the strong support for the island’s security and the Taiwan-U.S. partnership. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is crucial for the U.S. to uphold its commitment to Taiwan’s defense and work together with allies to address threats to regional stability. The visit serves to reaffirm the U.S.’s strategic relationship with Taiwan and its dedication to countering China’s aggressive actions in the region.
