The US congressional delegation pledges continued support for Taiwan’s defense

The US, like most countries, does not recognize Taiwan as a country. But it is required by US law to ensure the island can defend itself, and considers any threat to Taiwan a matter of “serious concern”.

The delegation, led by Rep. Jack Bergman, who chairs the House Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, sought to reassure Taiwan’s leadership of continued support.

“We will continue to assure our colleagues that the strategic relationship is very important for the future security of the region,” Bergman said during a meeting with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.

“That includes Taiwan’s strong maritime strategy and how we can work together toward common goals to counter China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the region,” the Michigan Republican said.

Tsai Ing-wen thanked President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress for their help in strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense.

“This support will continue to strengthen the Taiwan-US partnership,” she said.

A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Defense said that China strongly opposes the sale of US arms to what he called the Chinese Taiwan region.

“We strictly demand that the US abide by the one-China principle, not harm China’s sovereignty and security interests, and not interfere in China’s internal affairs,” said senior colonel Wu Qian at a monthly press conference.

There are also Democrats in the US delegation. Donald Norcross of New Jersey and Jimmy Panetta of California. The lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday and will be visiting until Friday.

They also met with Taiwan’s Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te and Vice-President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim. Taiwan’s new administration will take office on May 20.

China prohibits countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations from holding official contacts with Taipei and regularly criticizes visits by US officials to the island.

After then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022, China sent warships and military aircraft around the island and froze various exchanges with the United States, including military ties.

Beijing and Washington have renewed military ties after diplomatic exchanges in recent months, culminating in a November meeting between the countries’ presidents in San Francisco.

In recent months, Taiwan has expressed concern about the expansion of Chinese military bases near the island, but says it wants to avoid escalating tensions with Beijing.