On Thursday, US lawmakers visited Taiwan to convey their unwavering support for the island nation after the new president’s victory.
Since the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party won a third consecutive term in the Jan. 13 election, this is the first visit by U.S. politicians to the island.
A formidable rival of the United States in the global power struggle, China has long claimed sovereignty over the self-governing island of Taiwan and has threatened armed forces if necessary. Since the election of outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, Beijing has maintained its stance of not collaborating with the island’s administration, and its strong displeasure of Lai Ching-te’s victory shows no signs of abating.
Ami Bera, a Democrat from California, accompaied Balart, a Republican from Florida.
Aggressive behavior is unacceptable in today’s world. Coexistence, trade, cooperation, and the discovery of communal solutions to problems can only be achieved via the encouragement of collaboration and togetherness, according to Bera.
While welcoming the visiting co-chairs of the U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus, President-elect Lai thanked them and emphasized that Taiwan has become a global player. Additionally, Lai brought up the possibility of an agreement to avoid double taxation of firms and the continued military assistance from the United States.
Beijing fiercely opposes official U.S.-Taiwan relations. Several prominent military drills, including missile launches and a mock embargo of Taiwan, were conducted in response to a visit by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022. Foreign dignitaries’ visits are interpreted as acknowledging the island’s independence.
In an attempt to allay fears, President Joe Biden has stressed that the United States’ long-standing policy toward China has not changed. This policy recognizes Beijing as China’s representative and maintains informal contacts and defense links with Taiwan.
As a gesture toward China, the United States severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979. U.S. law, however, requires Washington to provide Taiwan with defense capabilities.
No foreign force should have any say in Taiwan’s destiny, according to Bera.
Although the United States is hesitant to disrupt the existing scenario between China and Taiwan, Bera claims that they are forced to do so to deal with outside forces and possible shifts in power.