Another US Congressional delegation is visiting Taiwan as tensions with China remain high over its claims on the self-governing island.
A steady stream of American visitors have come to meet Taiwanese officials since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit in early August.
In response, China has intensified military harassment, sending warships, fighter jets, and even drones to the island on a daily basis.
Led by Florida Democrat Stephanie Murphy, the delegation arrived on Wednesday and met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday, whose administration China has relentlessly sought to remove diplomatic recognition.
Referring to China’s military threats, Tsai said the delegation’s visit “conveys strong support for Taiwan from the US Congress.”
“Taiwan will not give in to pressure or coercion,” Tsai said. “We will defend our democratic institutions and our way of life. Taiwan will not back down. “
Murphy replied that Congress “should support more Taiwanese participation in international organizations”.
“Taiwan has shown itself to be a responsible member of the international community, particularly on public health issues, and deserves to participate in international forums where appropriate,” he said.
Murphy is among lawmakers who introduced a bill that would allow the United States to lend arms to support Taiwan, similar to a bill that was passed to lend arms to Ukraine.
Last week, the Biden administration approved a $ 1 billion (A $ 1.5 billion) arms sale to Taiwan.
Murphy also said that deepening economic ties with Taiwan was “one of the most important things Congress can do right now,” including the push for a “high-quality free trade agreement” between the parties.
Negotiations for a commercial pact are underway.
Other visiting US lawmakers are Democrat Kaiali’i Kahele and Republicans Scott Franklin, Joe Wilson, Andy Barr, Darrell Issa, Claudia Tenney, and Kat Cammack.