The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, has expressed his intention to lead a delegation to Taiwan following the inauguration of Taiwan’s President-elect, Tsai Ing-wen, and Vice President-elect, Lai Ching-te, set for next Monday, May 20th.
McCaul stated in an interview with Voice of America on Thursday that the visit is aimed at letting the people of Taiwan know that “the United States supports them.” He hinted at meeting with the new president and observing military exercises in Taiwan post the inauguration ceremony.
McCaul, a key ally of Taiwan in the U.S. Congress, has been a proponent of legislation supporting Taiwan’s defense and advocating for updated U.S. policies towards Taiwan. During a visit last April, he met with President Tsai Ing-wen and pledged assistance in providing training to Taiwan’s armed forces and expediting weapons deliveries.
Following his visit to Taiwan, McCaul is scheduled to attend a security forum in Singapore. Despite facing sanctions from the Chinese Foreign Ministry for his support of Taiwan, McCaul remains steadfast in his stance, asserting that nothing can deter the U.S. from backing countries that champion freedom and democracy.
China has consistently refused dialogue with Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government and labeled the incoming President Lai Ching-te as a divisive figure. However, many U.S. lawmakers from both parties trust that Lai’s administration will continue Taiwan’s stable diplomatic path.
Ami Bera, the chief Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Asia Pacific Subcommittee, believes that President-elect Lai Ching-te is a cautious leader who will uphold commitments to maintain the cross-strait status quo. He noted that Lai is not seeking to alter the current status quo, which has brought peace and prosperity to the region.
An incoming senior security official revealed to Reuters that Lai Ching-te is expected to affirm Taiwan’s commitment to stability and assure continued global economic and geopolitical contributions in his inaugural address next Monday. The new administration aims to protect Taiwan’s role in the global landscape while collaborating with stakeholders to safeguard existing relationships.
Nonetheless, the official acknowledged that the new government will face increasingly challenging and complex situations both domestically and internationally, especially with China escalating provocative military actions towards Taiwan.
At 64 years old, Lai Ching-te has served as Vice President under Tsai Ing-wen for the past four years. Despite expressing willingness to engage in dialogue with China, such offers have been rebuffed by Beijing. Both Lai and the ruling DPP emphasize that only the people of Taiwan should determine their future.