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.
Read next
Pete Hegseth's proposal to stream executions aligns US with controversial nations.
If the US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, proceeds with plans to livestream the execution of a soldier radicalized to extremist Islam, who killed 13 people at a military base in Texas, the US would join a group of lesser powers and rogue actors known for public executions in recent years.
Criminals steal €5m from renowned Italian winery
In a significant theft in Tuscany, thousands of wine bottles valued at €5 million have been stolen from the renowned Marchesi Antinori winery, marking what is considered the largest heist of its kind in Italy. A group of at least seven masked individuals breached the winery's cellar in
Illuminated Theater in Havana – A Photographic Journey
Widespread blackouts have become more frequent in Cuba since the US imposed energy sanctions in January. These outages often last longer than 24 hours as the aging electrical grid struggles to cope. The Impulso theatre group has been forced to adapt, as the power cuts present significant challenges for the