(NewsWorthy.news) – U.S. lawmakers have vowed to continue to support Taiwan after the recent approval of $300 in military aid. Despite not recognizing Taiwan as a country, Congress views Taiwan as a strategic ally.
The bipartisan congressional delegation, led by Republican Michigan Representative Jack Bergman, stressed the value of the partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. in regional security. Congress has also approved $400 million to counter China’s influence on the self-governing island as part of its Defense Appropriations Act. The Chinese government still views Taiwan as a rebellious province to bring under control, and if necessary by force. Fighter jets and warships are sent near the island daily by Beijing as it increases its military pressure on the region.
The U.S. is bound by its laws to ensure Taiwan can defend itself, and views any threats to the island’s security as gravely concerning. In the meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Bergman reassured colleagues how vital the strategic relationship is for the region’s security and reiterated the continued support of the White House.
The delegation’s visit was the first since Taiwan’s January election, which saw the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party win a third consecutive term. The meeting made it very clear that Taiwan will have U.S. support regardless of who wins the 2024 presidential election.
Republican Florida Representative Mario Díaz Balart stated that the White House’s support for Taiwan is firm and bipartisan. He was joined by Democratic California Representative Ami Bera, who commented on the need to work together, trade together and solve problems together.
President Joe Biden has stressed that the U.S. view on China’s “one China” position (this means China believes Taiwan is part of China, not a separate country) has not changed, but added that it allows informal relationships and defense links to Taiwan. Beijing does not approve of any form of official contact between the U.S. and Taiwan and sees visits by foreign government officials as a validation of the island’s claims of regional sovereignty. Balart commented that the members of the delegation were “proud” of Taiwan’s people and of the White House’s relationship with the country.
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