Members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party arrived on Feb. 22 in Taiwan for a congressional visit in a show of support for the democratic-led island and to strengthen U.S.–Taiwan relations.
The delegation, led by the committee’s chairman, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), is set to meet with senior Taiwanese officials and discuss U.S.–Taiwan relations, trade, and regional security, among other key issues. The visit is a part of the delegation’s trip to the Indo–Pacific region.
“By promoting deeper ties between our leaders and our economies, we can enhance peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
The visit comes more than a month after Lai Ching-te, the current Taiwanese vice president from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was elected president. Mr. Lai’s victory gave the DPP—which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sees as a threat to its goal of taking over Taiwan—a third consecutive four-year term in power.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said the visit demonstrates “staunch U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy through concrete action.”
“Your visit further highlights the close partnership between Taiwan and the United States,” President Tsai said in a welcome speech. “Together, we are safeguarding freedom and democracy and maintaining regional peace.”
Since its founding in January 2023, the Select Committee on the CCP has strongly supported Taiwan. It has published multiple reports and policy recommendations regarding the self-ruled democratic island. Its firm and assertive position against the Chinese regime has garnered rare bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.
Military Support
Commenting on the visit, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) told The Epoch Times’ sister outlet NTD on Feb. 21 that the trip sends a strong message to the Chinese regime.“If you’re afraid to stand by Taiwan, China’s communist government will see that as a weakness, and then will try to push it even further,” he said. “So I think it’s very important that elected leaders such as myself and others visit Taiwan.
Mr. Bacon also said the United States should provide weapons to the island to counter growing military threats and provocation from the regime in Beijing.
“We should be very clear about providing weapons and all the material needs that will help with deterrence. The goal here is to deter an attack from China and send high-quality weapons, anti-shipping missiles, mines, [and] very good, high-quality air defense capabilities that serve as a defense. Yes, China will complain. But I think in the end, they'll be deterred. And that’s the goal,” he said.
Arms Sales
Washington has made multiple arms sales to the island nation in recent years to help it counter the CCP’s military harassment.Also in August, the United States approved a $500 million sale of military equipment to Taiwan, including infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets.