A group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei on Thursday to show support for the democracy that is claimed by Beijing, according to the American Institute in Taiwan, Washington’s de facto embassy.
Taiwan’s status is a significant point of contention between Beijing and Washington. Despite having no official ties with Taiwan, the U.S. is its most important international backer. The island has been facing increasing military, economic, and diplomatic pressure from China in recent years, prompting concerns over the potential use of force in unifying with it.
During the visit, Rep. Gallagher emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for Taiwan’s freedom and called for stronger ties between the two nations. President Tsai also expressed hope for increased exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S.
The bipartisan delegation, which includes Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, John Moolenaar, Dusty Johnson, and Seth Moulton, will also meet with senior Taiwan leaders and members of civil society to discuss issues including U.S.-Taiwan relations and regional security.
Beijing has condemned foreign lawmakers’ visits to Taiwan as provocative and interfering in its internal affairs. It has urged the U.S. to cease official exchanges with Taiwan and to refrain from sending any wrong signals to separatist forces.
The U.S. lawmakers’ visit coincides with rising tensions between China and Taiwan following a dispute last week over the deaths of two Chinese fishermen who were being chased by Taiwan’s coast guard. Taiwan accused them of trespassing near Kinmen, a small group of Taiwanese-controlled islands off the Chinese coast.
As tensions between China and Taiwan escalate, the visit by the U.S. delegation serves as a symbolic gesture of support for Taiwan’s democracy and a display of solidarity with the island nation amid its strained relations with Beijing.
Historically, Taiwan has faced diplomatic isolation due to pressure from China, which views the island as a renegade province and seeks to diminish its presence on the world stage. The U.S. has played a crucial role in bolstering Taiwan’s international standing and supporting its democratic system, despite objections from Beijing.
Amid the ongoing geopolitical tension in the region, the visit by U.S. lawmakers to Taiwan underscores the ongoing struggle for Taiwan’s sovereignty and political autonomy within the shadow of China’s influence.
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