U.S. Lawmakers Visit Taiwan Amid Chinese Military Drills

A bipartisan delegation from the United States House of Representatives arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, following the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te. The visit came shortly after China conducted its largest military exercises around Taiwan in over a year. These drills involved dozens of fighter jets and naval operations, described by Beijing as a response to what it sees as pro-independence moves by Lai, whom it labels a “dangerous separatist.”

The American delegation, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), includes Representatives Young Kim (R-California), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Jimmy Panetta (D-California), Andy Barr (R-Kentucky), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania). Their visit aims to discuss regional security, trade, and investment with Taiwanese officials, and to underscore U.S. support for Taiwan.

Lai Ching-te, who was inaugurated on May 20th, advocates for maintaining the status quo between Taiwan and China. He has repeatedly offered dialogue with Beijing, which has been met with military maneuvers and strong denouncements from Chinese officials.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a broader effort to stabilize U.S.-China relations. However, the increasing military activity around Taiwan continues to complicate the relationship.

The U.S. State Department has condemned China’s recent drills, urging Beijing to act with restraint and warning against actions that could escalate tensions. In response, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson described the drills as necessary and justified actions to deter Taiwan independence and foreign interference.

The U.S. Congress has recently passed approximately $2 billion in military aid to bolster Taiwan’s defenses.

The delegation’s visit is the first by an American congressional group since Lai took office and follows high-level U.S.-Taiwan engagements in recent years, including visits by former House Speakers Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy, both met with strong reactions from China.