- U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on China, said support for Taiwan remains steadfast, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections
- Gallagher, leading a delegation of four other lawmakers on a visit ending on February 24, has been a staunch advocate for Taiwan and a vocal critic of China
- Addressing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen earlier in the day, Gallagher emphasized the bipartisan nature of the U.S. delegation’s visit, aiming to demonstrate solidarity with the island
TAIPEI, Taiwan: U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on China, has reiterated in Taipei tthat support for Taiwan remains steadfast, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections.
Gallagher, leading a delegation of four other lawmakers on a visit which ended on Saturday, has been a staunch advocate for Taiwan and a vocal critic of China’s increasing military and political pressure to assert sovereignty over the democratic island.
“I am very confident that support for Taiwan will continue regardless of who occupies the White House,” Gallagher stated during a news conference in Taipei. “I see growing and extremely strong support for Taiwan.”
Addressing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen earlier in the day, Gallagher emphasized the bipartisan nature of the U.S. delegation’s visit, aiming to demonstrate solidarity with the island. “Today we come, as Democrats and Republicans, to show our bipartisan support for this partnership, which, thanks to your leadership, is stronger and more rock-solid than ever.”
In response to the visit, China’s foreign ministry opposed any official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan authorities, urging the U.S. to handle Taiwan-related issues with caution.
Despite Beijing’s objections, Tsai thanked the U.S. government and parliament for their ongoing assistance in strengthening Taiwan’s defenses and expressed hope for increased exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S. this year.
In a separate meeting with Vice President Lai Ching-te, Gallagher pledged a deeper partnership with Taiwan under Lai’s upcoming presidency and dismissed any notion of China’s potential invasion of Taiwan.
Amid discussions on U.S.-China economic ties, Gallagher stressed the importance of ensuring weapons delivery to Taiwan, highlighting a significant backlog in deliveries.
Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed the U.S. government’s issuance of a notice for a US$75 million arms sale to upgrade Taiwan’s Link-16 communications systems, a move aimed at enhancing coordination among its combat forces.
