A bipartisan congressional delegation has sought to ease concerns in Taiwan about a backlog in the weapons the island has ordered from the United States.
“We are moving forward on those weapons systems,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) told reporters Monday in Taipei, Taiwan. “I’d like to see them faster, but they are forthcoming.”
McCaul said Taiwan’s need for the weapons was underscored last week when China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, surrounded the island as part of what its People’s Liberation Army described as “punishment” military drills. McCaul made a similar promise during a trip to Taiwan last year.
China’s joint military exercises, which included the country’s navy, army, air force, and rocket force, coincided with the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te. During his inaugural address last week, Lai called on China to “face the reality” of Taiwan’s “existence.”
Through a translator, Lai welcomed the delegation as demonstrating America’s “firm support for the new government, as well as the people of Taiwan,” pledging to “enhance national defense capabilities and show the world the determination of the Taiwanese people to defend their homeland.” In the near term, the weapons will be required for deterrence, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the PLA to be ready to reunite Taiwan with the mainland by 2027.
Taiwan has contended with delays in shipments of weapons, such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, for the past two years as suppliers prioritize Ukraine amid its war against Russia.
Aside from McCaul, the delegation also included Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Young Kim (R-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Joe Wilson (R-SC).
The U.S. does not have an official relationship with Taiwan, though by law it is compelled to help the island protect itself, and China has lodged a complaint about the delegation’s five-day visit.
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“China firmly opposes military ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, opposes arming Taiwan, and urges relevant U.S. lawmakers to stop playing the Taiwan card,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Monday in Beijing.
China sanctioned McCaul after he traveled to Taiwan last April.
