Taipei, March 28: A bipartisan US congressional delegation pledged continued support for Taiwan on Thursday; days after Congress approved USD 300 million in military aid for the self-governed island that’s claimed by China.
Congress also approved USD 400 million on Saturday to counter the Chinese government’s influence in the region, as part of its Defence Appropriations Act.
China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province to be brought under its control, by force if necessary. Beijing sends warships and fighter jets near the island daily, as it ramps up its military pressure.
The United States, like most nations, doesn’t recognise Taiwan as a country. However, it is bound by US laws to ensure the island can defend itself and considers all threats to Taiwan as a matter of “grave concern.”
The delegation led by Republican Congressman 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 key for the future security of the region,” Bergman said during a meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen.
“This includes a strong Taiwan maritime strategy and how we can work together on shared goals to counter China on their increasingly aggressive actions in the region,” he said.
Tsai thanked the Biden administration and Congress for helping to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense.
“This support will continue to strengthen the Taiwan-US partnership,” she said.
The delegation also includes Democratic Representatives Donald Norcross and Jimmy Panetta. The lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday and are to stay until Friday.
They also met with Taiwanese Vice President and President-elect William Lai and with Vice President-elect Bi-khim Hsiao. Taiwan’s new administration takes office on May 20.
China prohibits countries it has diplomatic relations with from having formal exchanges with Taipei and regularly criticises US officials’ visits to the island.
A trip by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in 2022 resulted in China dispatching warships and military aircraft around the island and freezing a series of exchanges, including military communications, with the US.
Beijing and Washington restored military-to-military contacts after a flurry of diplomatic exchanges in recent months culminated in a meeting between the country’s presidents in San Francisco in November.
Taiwan has expressed concern in recent months about China’s expansion of military bases near the island but says it wants to avoid an escalation in tensions with Beijing. (AP)
