US Congressional Delegation arrives in Taiwan to participate in National Day festivities

October 7, 2024 TruthUSA

Taiwan is gearing up to observe its 113th birthday on Oct. 10, despite the challenges posed by communist China’s coercion and intimidation.

Representative Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) is leading a U.S. congressional delegation on a six-day visit to Taiwan to participate in the National Day celebrations on Oct. 10. The delegation, which also includes Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), is there to meet with senior Taiwanese officials and show support for the island’s peace and stability, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry.

The discussions between the U.S. lawmakers and Taiwanese officials will cover various aspects, including U.S.–Taiwan relations, regional security, and economic and energy policies.

The delegation’s visit is significant given China’s ongoing use of “gray zone” tactics to undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as its efforts to isolate Taiwan from the international community.

The U.S. delegation recently met with Taiwan’s National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu to discuss bipartisan congressional support for Taiwan and emphasize the island’s role in global peace and stability.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), will mark its National Day, also known as the Double Ten Day, on its 113th birthday, with President Lai Ching-te delivering a keynote address.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regards Taiwan as a province of China.

One of the CCP’s gray zone operations involves frequent air incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), as reported by Taiwan’s defense ministry.

Taiwan’s diplomatic allies will send representatives to attend the National Day celebration, including officials from Belize, Saint Lucia, and other countries, as per Taiwan’s foreign ministry.

Taiwan

Biggs and Miller, who are visiting Taiwan for the first time, previously advocated for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations like the World Health Organization. They also supported resolutions calling for formal recognition of Taiwan’s independent status.

The United States has maintained the “One China” policy since 1979, recognizing the CCP as the sole governing entity of China.

Additionally, the U.S. has a non-diplomatic relationship with Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which allows for military support and the establishment of the American Institute in Taiwan as the de facto U.S. embassy on the island.

Lesko’s 8th Congressional District hosts advanced labs by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a key player in the chipmaking industry. The congresswoman has been vocal in supporting Taiwan’s interests and partnerships with the U.S.

Biggs and Miller have consistently advocated for Taiwan’s participation in global forums despite opposition from Beijing, reaffirming America’s solidarity with Taiwan in the face of diplomatic challenges.

Taiwan currently maintains diplomatic relations with 12 countries, underscoring its strategic partnerships amidst international pressures.

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