TAI PEI: Chairman of the US House Committee on China, Mike Gallagher, arrived in Taiwan Thursday for talks with its leaders, condemning Beijing’s actions towards the self-ruled island.
Gallagher leads a five-member delegation, aiming to bolster US-Taiwan relations amid rising tensions with China.
In a statement, Gallagher denounced China’s “bullying” of Taiwan, praising the island’s resilience against Chinese pressure. Taiwan, strategically important to the US, has faced mounting aggression from Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the territory.
President Tsai Ing-wen welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the robust US support for Taiwan’s democracy. The visit underscores Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s security and democratic values.
Accompanying Gallagher are US Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, John Moolenaar, Dusty Johnson, and Seth Moulton. The delegation’s discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, regional security, and trade cooperation.
The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and China, with both countries engaging in diplomatic dialogue to address various issues. The US recently approved a $75 million arms sale to Taiwan, further irking Beijing.
Previous US visits to Taiwan have drawn strong condemnation from China, signaling Beijing’s opposition to any official exchanges between Washington and Taipei. The latest visit coincides with renewed tensions following a maritime incident in Taiwan-controlled waters.
Gallagher’s visit reaffirms US commitment to Taiwan’s security and democracy, highlighting the island’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
