A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation led by Republican Senator Pete Ricketts commenced a four-day visit to Taiwan on April 16, marking the first such visit since President Donald Trump began his second term in office. The visit, part of a broader regional tour, underscores Washington’s continued commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The delegation includes Senator Chris Coons (Democrat) and Senator Ted Budd (Republican), who will engage in a series of high-level discussions with senior Taiwanese leaders. The talks will focus on a range of key issues, including U.S.-Taiwan relations, regional security, economic cooperation, trade, and investment.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions following recent joint military exercises by China near Taiwan. Earlier this month, the United States strongly condemned Beijing’s actions, with State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce describing them as part of a broader pattern of “intimidation tactics and destabilizing behavior.”
“China’s aggressive military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the region’s security and global prosperity at risk,” the State Department’s statement read. It reaffirmed Washington’s stance in support of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and its opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force or coercion.
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry also denounced China’s actions, accusing Beijing of intensifying military threats and undermining regional stability. The ministry characterized China as the primary source of tension in the region, calling it the “greatest troublemaker” in the eyes of the international community.
In parallel with diplomatic efforts, U.S. lawmakers continue to strengthen legislative support for Taiwan. Last month, a bipartisan group of Representatives reintroduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act in the House, after it stalled in the Senate in 2023. The bill, introduced by Representative Gerry Connolly (Democrat), aims to counter Beijing’s attempts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and reaffirms American support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
“This bipartisan legislation ensures that we stand against Beijing’s weaponization of international institutions and in solidarity with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan,” said Connolly in a press release.
China maintains its longstanding claim over Taiwan, viewing it as a breakaway province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Over recent years, Beijing has ramped up military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait in a bid to pressure Taipei.
Meanwhile, the United States and its allies continue to view the Taiwan Strait as international waters and regularly conduct freedom of navigation operations in the region, signaling their commitment to uphold the rules-based international order and counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness.
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