US LAWMAKERS IN TAIWAN FOR VISIT
TAIPEI: Two American lawmakers arrived in Taipei on Wednesday in a show of support after the self-ruled island’s recent high-stakes leadership election.
It is the second visit by United States officials this month, and it comes after Pacific nation Nauru unexpectedly announced it was severing diplomatic ties and switching allegiance to Beijing.
The switch, just days after Taipei’s January 13 poll, means only 12 states, including the Holy See, now formally recognize Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
The election was won by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te, whom China regards as a “separatist.” Beijing warned ahead of voting day that his win would bring “war and decline” to Taiwan.
Democrat Rep. Ami Bera of California and Republican Mario DiazBalart of Florida, co-chairmen of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, reached the capital Taipei on Wednesday, a statement from Bera’s office said.
“While there, the representatives will engage with senior officials and business leaders,” it added.
“The aim of the trip is to reaffirm US support for Taiwan following their successful democratic elections, express solidarity in their shared commitment to democratic values, and explore opportunities to further strengthen the robust economic and defense relationship between the United States and Taiwan.”
Democratic Taiwan has its own government, military and currency, but China claims it as its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control.
In a statement, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry thanked the US Congress for organizing the post-election visit to “deliver a positive message of firm bipartisan support” for the island and its democracy.
It added that the representatives — who will leave on Friday — will meet outgoing leader Tsai Ingwen, incoming leader Lai and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim “to exchange views on various important issues in Taiwan-US relations.”
China has ramped up military pressure in recent years, deploying warplanes and naval vessels around the island on a nearly daily basis.
On Monday, Taipei’s Defense Ministry said it had detected a record six Chinese balloons around Taiwan over the weekend, with one flying directly above the island.
Nauru’s announcement overshadowed the earlier visit last week by an unofficial delegation sent by US President Joe Biden’s administration to congratulate Lai.
While Taiwan is not diplomatically recognized by the US, Washington is a partner and its top weapons provider.