After Nancy Pelosi, one other US delegation visits Taiwan amid tensions

Another US congressional delegation is visiting Taiwan as tensions with China stay excessive over its claims to the self-governed island.

A gradual stream of US guests has come to satisfy with Taiwanese officers since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited in early August. China, in response, has stepped up its army harassment, sending warships, warplanes and even drones towards the island each day.

Read: US angers China with potential $1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan

Led by Florida Democrat Stephanie Murphy, the delegation met Thursday morning with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, whose administration China has relentlessly sought to deprive of diplomatic recognition and participation in worldwide organizations.

Referring to China’s army threats, Tsai stated the delegation’s go to “conveys rock solid support for Taiwan from the US Congress.”

“Taiwan will not bow to pressure or coercion,” Tsai stated. “We will defend our democratic institutions and way of life. Taiwan will not back down.”

Murphy replied that Congress “should advocate for greater Taiwanese participation in international organizations.”

“Taiwan has shown itself to be a responsible member of the international community, especially in public health issues, and it deserves to participate in international fora when appropriate,” she stated.

Read: China dismisses Taiwan complaints on repeated drone harassment

Murphy is amongst lawmakers who launched a invoice that will permit the US to lend weapons to help Taiwan, much like a invoice that had handed to lend weapons to Ukraine. Last week, the Biden administration accepted a $1 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

Murphy additionally stated deepening financial relations with Taiwan was “one of the most important things Congress can do right now,” significantly by pushing for a “high-quality free trade agreement” between the edges. Negotiations are underway between the Biden and Tsai administrations on a commerce pact.

The different American lawmakers visiting are Hawaii Democrat Kaiali’i Kahele and Republicans Scott Franklin of Florida, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Andy Barr of Kentucky, Darrell Issa of California, Claudia Tenney of New York, and Kat Cammack of Florida.

Read: For the primary time since Pelosi’s go to, US warships transit Taiwan Strait

Pelosi was the highest-level member of the US authorities to go to Taiwan in 25 years. China responded by holding prolonged army workouts that included firing missiles over the island and sending ships throughout the midline of the Taiwan Strait, which was lengthy a buffer between the 2 sides. Some of the missiles landed in Japan’s unique financial zone.

China sees high-level international visits to the island as interference in its affairs and de facto recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty. China’s latest army drills had been seen by some as a rehearsal of future army motion in opposition to the island, which US army leaders say might come inside the subsequent few years.

Responding on Wednesday to the newest US arms sale, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated China’s opposition to protection cooperation between Washington and Taipei is “consistent and clear.”

“We will resolutely respond to acts that undermine China’s sovereignty and security and interfere in our internal affairs,” Mao instructed reporters at a each day briefing, with out giving particulars.

Following Pelosi’s journey, a US senator and one other congressional delegation visited Taiwan, in addition to public officers from Japan and Palau. Further, each Arizona and Indiana’s governors made visits with a concentrate on semiconductors, the trade which Taiwan’s corporations dominate.

— ENDS —