U.S. Lawmakers Visit Taiwan in Bold Show of Support Amid Rising China Tensions

Both Republican and Democratic legislators made their first trip to Taiwan during the Trump administration. The goal was to show Taiwan the U.S. is still committed to Taiwan’s defence, despite the recent trade tensions.

During a visit by two Republican Senators and one Democrat last week, Taiwanese leaders addressed concerns raised by the Republican U.S. Administration regarding Trump. The leaders assure the senators that Trump’s complaints have been taken into account and are being addressed.

Many Asia Pacific countries have not retaliated against their European allies after Trump imposed tariffs on a number of countries, including Taiwan at 32%, earlier this month in the United States of America.

Chris Coons, a Democrat Senator from Taipei, is a Democrat. He stated that despite the blow this week to Taiwan’s economy, he is “optimistic “. Coons added, “I’m confident that the future of U.S.-Taiwan relationships will be positive.”

That includes assurances from the Taiwanese that they are working quickly to pursue new trade and investment deals aligned with the Trump administration, in addition to the advanced-semiconductor giant’s $100 billion investment this year alone in U.S. chip production.

Taking all the lessons from Ukraine in its defense against Russia and criticism from Trump, Taiwan also says it is investing fast to make its military stronger, nimbler, and less dependent on the U.S., as the island’s strongest deterrent against China, the U.S. lawmakers said. That includes seeking investment from Americans in drone warfare.

The ranking members of the East Asia Subcommittee within the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are Senators Pete Ricketts and Coons. They spoke before scheduled Friday meetings with President Lai Ching Te and Defense Minister Wellington Koo.

The mission is taking place at a time of intense tensions in trade between China and the U.S. Taiwan, an island with a democracy and some of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, has been the target of warnings that China might strike. China claims Taiwan and will return it by force, if needed.

Trump accuses the Taiwanese of stealing the United States’ chip-manufacturing industry. Trump’s criticism of Taiwan and his insistence last year that Taiwan “should pay us” for their defense has raised concerns that the U.S. might not intervene if China attacks Taiwan.

Taiwanese are shocked at the 32% tariffs Trump has announced as part of his new trade measures this month. The thought Washington was aligned with their government.

Ricketts echoed the Republican motto in response to Trump’s remarks: “Look beyond the rhetoric and focus on the actions.”

Ricketts stressed the importance of Pete Hegseth, the Defense Secretary, to help Asia-Pacific countries defend themselves against China. Ricketts stated that the region was the first stop he made as a member of the administration.

Ricketts stated that Taiwanese officials had already contacted the Commerce Secretary. Howard Lutnick had been contacted for negotiations and moved quickly during the 90-day period Trump announced before the United States imposed tariffs on the majority of countries.

Lai has promised to increase Taiwan’s military expenditure to 3% from 2.5%. Taiwan and the United States are also in discussions about a drone partnership. Ukraine has taken a lesson from Russian defense, focusing on fleet fighting forces using portable Stingers.

The Taiwanese Defense Industry produces advanced weapons, from small arms to anti-aircraft and submarines.

Coons, a Chinese Journalist, said that the Chinese President might decide to take aggressive actions at this time.

Coons stated, “I believe it is exactly the wrong thing. I think they would receive a united and forceful response.”