US Senators' Taiwan Trip Sparks Protest from China
A trip to Taiwan by two US senators has prompted criticism from China, which views the island as part of its territory and opposes official exchanges between Taiwanese and foreign officials.
Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate armed services committee, and Nebraska senator Deb Fischer arrived in Taipei on Friday for meetings with senior Taiwanese officials. Their discussions are expected to focus on US-Taiwan relations, regional security, and trade, according to the American Institute in Taiwan, which represents Washington’s interests in the absence of formal diplomatic ties with the self-ruled island.
Wicker stated upon arrival: "A stable democracy requires constant effort … We are here to speak with our partners in Taiwan about supporting peace."
During a meeting with Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, Wicker said the visit aimed to better understand Taiwan’s priorities.
“We bring a message from Congress: a pledge of enduring friendship and support for Taiwan’s right to maintain its freedom and autonomy,” Wicker said.
Fischer added, “Given global instability, these discussions on security and regional progress are crucial.”
A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Guo Jiakun, condemned the visit, calling it a breach of China’s sovereignty and a harmful encouragement for separatist efforts.
The US remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, providing advanced military equipment, including tanks, missile systems, and fighter jets, as part of efforts to counter potential threats from Beijing.
China argues that US weapons sales to Taiwan violate past agreements made with previous US administrations.
Tensions between the US and Taiwan have persisted since the Trump administration, which pursued trade disputes while urging allies to bolster their own defense budgets.
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