GOP Senators in Taipei reaffirm U.S. support as China pressure grows

Two senior Republican senators arrived in Taipei on Friday, Aug. 29, for a two day visit to reaffirm U.S. support for Taiwan and to discuss security, trade and investment as Chinese military pressure around the island has grown. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and Senator Deb Fischer held high level meetings, including with Taiwan President William Lai Chingte, after touching down at Songshan Airport, officials said.

Wicker said the trip was meant to reemphasize the long standing partnership and security relationship between the United States and Taiwan. At a meeting with President Lai, he told Taiwanese leaders the island has an absolute right to remain free and to preserve self determination, according to statements from his delegation. Fischer said the visit, coming at a time of global unrest, would focus on security and opportunities for the region.

The senators travel follows stops in Hawaii, Guam, Tinian, Palau and the Philippines, and coincides with the U.S. Senate’s impending consideration of the nearly 1 trillion dollar National Defense Authorization Act. Wicker indicated the bill would again include additional provisions related to Taiwan, though...