U.S. lawmakers visit Taiwan following China's two-day military exercises

Taiwan, May 27 :
According to Taiwan News, a group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers from the United States have landed in Taipei to meet with the administration of President Lai Ching-te to discuss US-Taiwan relations following China's two-day large-scale military drill surrounding the island. Members of the team, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican Michael McCaul, arrived in Taipei on Sunday for a week of discussions that will end on May 30. According to a news statement from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the delegation is scheduled to meet during their tour to discuss many matters of mutual interest, including US-Taiwan ties, regional security, trade, and investment.

In a statement, McCaul stated that the bipartisan group's upcoming trip to Taiwan "sends a signal to the Chinese Communist Party that the United States stands with the people of Taiwan and will work to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait." According to the American Institute in Taiwan, Congressman Michael McCaul, who is part of a bigger tour that will include stop in other cities in the Indo-Pacific area, announced the trip last week. According to Taiwan News, McCaul of Texas is accompanied by a group of congressional representatives, including California's Young Kim and Jimmy Panetta, South Carolina's Joe Wilson, Kentucky's Andy Barr, and Pennsylvania's Chrissy Houlahan.

During their visit, which takes place one week after President Lai Ching-te takes office in Taiwan, the delegation is anticipated to meet with him. On Saturday, China ended two days of military drills near Taiwan, which coincides with the congressional visit. The "necessary partnership" between the US and Taiwan is demonstrated by the trip, according to US Representative Jimmy Panetta. "I look forward to congratulating President Lai Ching-te on his inauguration and continuing to strengthen the bond between our two nations," stated Panetta.