Staff Reports
A team of bipartisan lawmakers visited Taiwan to address concerns about the delays in weapons that the island has ordered from the United States. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul assured reporters that the weapons are on their way, although he wishes the process could go faster. The need for these weapons was highlighted when China conducted military exercises near Taiwan last week. China has claimed authority over Taiwan and has increased its military presence in the region.
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The joint military drills conducted by China included the navy, army, air force, and rocket force. This was timed with Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, taking office. In his inaugural address, Lai urged China to acknowledge the reality of Taiwan’s existence. He welcomed the delegation as a demonstration of America’s strong support for Taiwan and the Taiwanese people. Lai also pledged to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and show the world the determination of the Taiwanese people to defend their homeland.
The weapons ordered by Taiwan are crucial for deterrence, especially as Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed the People’s Liberation Army to be prepared to reunite Taiwan with the mainland by 2027. Taiwan has faced delays in receiving weapons, including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as suppliers have prioritized Ukraine due to its conflict with Russia.
In addition to McCaul, the delegation included several other lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties. The United States is not in an official relationship with Taiwan, but it is obligated by law to assist the island in defending itself. China has filed a complaint about the delegation’s visit, opposing military ties between the U.S. and Taiwan and urging U.S. lawmakers to cease their support for Taiwan.
This is not the first time that China has expressed its disapproval of U.S. lawmakers’ interactions with Taiwan. In the past, China imposed sanctions on Michael McCaul after his visit to Taiwan in April.
