Five US lawmakers met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and other representatives yesterday, coinciding with China’s new military exercises.
Following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi earlier this month, a US congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan for a two-day visit.
Tsai expressed Taiwan’s hope to work closely with the US to maintain regional stability, improve economic ties and build secure supply chains, stressing that Taiwan and the US share common values of democracy and freedom.
Visiting legislators from both the “Republican” and “Democratic” parties, Senator Ed Markey and Representatives, John Karamendi, Alan Lowenthal, Dan Baer and Omoa Amata Coleman radiowagon.
“We have a moral obligation to do everything we can to prevent unnecessary conflict,” Taiwan’s presidential office quoted Marqui as saying.
A White House national security spokesman said members of Congress have been visiting Taiwan for decades and will continue to do so, adding that such visits are consistent with the “one China” policy the United States has long supported.
Meanwhile, China said its military conducted joint military patrols and maneuvers near Taiwan.
“China will take firm and resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. A few American politicians who do not think for themselves and challenge the one-China policy are destined to fail.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said the US delegation’s visit to Taiwan undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army continues to train and prepare for war, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely crush any attempts at separatism and foreign interference,” the spokesperson added.
Yesterday’s Chinese maneuvers followed days of massive exercises near Taiwan, the day after Pelosi’s visit, during which Beijing sent warships, missiles and aircraft into the waters and airspace near the island.
On the other hand, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said yesterday that 30 Chinese military aircraft were monitored around the area around the island until 5pm local time.
Bloomberg news agency reported that the ministry detected five Chinese warships in the area around Taiwan.
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