US Congressman praised Taiwan’s democracy during visit, which China will keep an eye on

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A group of U.S. congresswomen met with Taiwan’s president Thursday to seek support, a move that will surely draw the attention of China, which opposes such visits and bans them on the island. sees it as a challenge to its claims to sovereignty. ,

Two years ago, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan prompted China to send military ships and aircraft around the self-ruled democratic island and fire ballistic missiles into nearby waters.

In a meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday, Representative Mike Gallagher, the Republican chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, highlighted bipartisan support for the Taiwan-US alliance, which he called “stronger and more solid.” told. Sometimes.”

Like most countries, the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan as a country, but it maintains good informal relations with the island and provides it with the weapons necessary for its defense in accordance with its own laws. Is bound to.

Gallagher thanked Tsai, who is nearing the end of her second and final term, for her leadership in Taiwan and for setting herself apart “as a leader of the free world.”

Tsai thanked the United States for its continued help in helping Taiwan strengthen its defense capabilities.

“Together we safeguard freedom and democracy and maintain regional peace,” he said, adding that he hoped to see more exchanges in various fields between the United States and Taiwan.

The delegation, led by Gallagher, R-Wis., and Raja Krishnamurthy, D-Ill., was scheduled to spend three days in Taiwan as part of a broader tour of the Indo-Pacific region. The delegation also included Republican Representative John Moolenaar of Michigan, Republican Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, and Democrat Seth Moulton of Massachusetts.

The delegation, which brings together some of China’s biggest critics in Congress, planned to meet with other Taiwanese leaders and civil society members to discuss US-Taiwan relations, trade and regional security, among other issues of mutual interest. Expected.

The show of support for Taiwan reflects a growing willingness of many congressmen to confront China on a variety of issues at a time when economic relations between the two countries are deteriorating.

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Freking reported from Washington.