US lawmakers support Taiwan after China’s military exercises

In the wake of large-scale military exercises by China in the region around Taiwan, a delegation of US lawmakers has expressed support for Taiwan, Focus Taiwan reports.

US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, who is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the meeting with Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te, said China’s “intimidating military exercises” show that The mainland is “not interested in taking over Taiwan.” Peaceful ways.”

Addressing a press conference in Taipei, US Representative Michael McCaul called the drills “intimidation tactics to punish democracy” and called for Taiwan’s defense by expediting deliveries of defensive weapons from the US, CNN reported. Vowed to strengthen.

he/she reiterated Washington’s long-term support for Taiwan and emphasized that the US will remain Taiwan’s “reliable partner”.

The Republican lawmaker highlighted that after Taiwan’s new president was sworn in last Monday, China held a round of military exercises in response.

“China’s forces carried out intimidating military exercises, sending 110 aircraft and 46 warships to demonstrate that they have no interest in occupying Taiwan through peaceful means,” he/she said.

he/she called on all democracies to “stand together against aggression and tyranny,” whether it is tyrannical Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping, Focus Taiwan reports.

McCaul outlined the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which has served as the cornerstone guiding informal US-Taiwan relations since diplomatic ties were severed in 1979, requiring Washington to help Taiwan self-defense. There is a need to provide weapon systems of defensive nature.

“We must ensure that no right minded person attempts to disturb the peace in which you have flourished. The United States is and always will be your trusted partner, and no pressure or threat will slow or stop Congress’s regular visits to Taiwan,” he/she said.

Taiwanese President Lai expressed his/her gratitude to McCaul, his/her delegation, and the US Congress as a whole for their long-term support of the island nation.

The President emphasized that his/her new government will continue to deepen cooperation with the US and other like-minded countries to maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperous development.

he/she said, “Moving forward, my administration will continue to enhance national defense, showing the world the determination of the Taiwanese people to defend their home.”

Highlighting the existing backlog of arms orders, McCaul said the nearly US$20 billion delay in Taiwan’s arms orders from the US is mostly due to issues related to the defense industrial base, Focus Taiwan reported.

he/she said the recently concluded Chinese exercises to blockade Taiwan following Lai’s May 20 inauguration reminded the world again of the “very dangerous situation” in the Taiwan Strait.

“And that’s why resistance is so important. I know every member (of Congress) here will take that message back (to accelerate their country’s supply of military arms to Taiwan),” he/she said.

However, before the backlog issue, McCaul said US President Joe Biden had signed a US$4 billion grant and foreign military financing loan to Taiwan as a sign of support in previous months, Focus Taiwan reported.

Emphasizing what kind of weapons Taiwan most needs from the US to boost its defense, McCaul said land-based weapons are needed to prevent People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops from landing in Taiwan. Marine wealth is more important than resources.

The US delegation arrived in Taipei late Sunday night, including McCaul, Republicans Young Kim, Joe Wilson and Andy Barr, and Democrats Jimmy Panetta and Chrissie Houlahan.

Additionally, according to the ministry, McCaul was invited to meet with Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other members of Lai’s new foreign affairs and national security team to exchange views on issues of mutual concern, regional security, and Taiwan-US relations. Hope to meet also. foreign Affairs.