First congressional delegation visits Taiwan for first time since election

First congressional delegation visits Taiwan for first time since election

2024-01-24

U.S. lawmakers are visiting Taiwan for the first time since the presidential election. Ami Bera and Mario Diaz Balart, co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, landed in Taipei on Wednesday. According to an official statement, their trip aims to show support for Taiwan after its successful democratic election, and to explore ways to deepen bilateral ties.

Vice President Lai Ching-te received members of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council early Wednesday morning. That same day, U.S. lawmakers arrived in Taiwan for the first time since Lai was elected president.

An official statement reveals that lawmakers Ami Bera and Mario Diaz Balart, co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, arrived in Taipei. The purpose of the trip is to, quote, “reaffirm U.S. support for Taiwan following their successful democratic elections, express solidarity in their shared commitment to democratic values, and explore opportunities to further strengthen the robust economic and defense relationship between the United States and Taiwan.”

Chang Ming-yu
Political commentator
This bipartisan congressional delegation is visiting so soon after the general election, and each member holds an important position. So for Taiwan, this is a visit of great significance. They want to use Taiwan’s democracy to influence China.

But in other news, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to the “One China” policy. Days earlier, he had congratulated Lai for becoming “Taiwan’s next president,” provoking outrage from Beijing. In a TV interview on Tuesday, he described the congratulatory message as, quote, “common courtesy.”

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Philippines president
We have adhered to the “One China” policy strictly and consistently since we adopted the “One China” policy. And that has not changed. That will not change. We will not endorse Taiwanese independence. Taiwan is a province of China. But the manner in which they will be brought together again is an internal matter.

Responding to China’s outrage, Marcos emphasized that he supports the “One China” policy and does not endorse Taiwan independence. His defense secretary has criticized Beijing for putting pressure on Marcos, with what he called “low and gutter-level talk.”

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