US lawmakers test Beijing's patience with trip to Taipei

A US congressional delegation met new Taiwan President Lai Ching-te yesterday in a show of support days after China held drills around the island in response to his inauguration.

Andy Barr, co-chair of the Taiwan caucus in Congress, said the United States is fully committed to supporting Taiwan militarily, diplomatically and economically.

"There should be no doubt, there should be no skepticism in the United States, Taiwan or anywhere, of American resolve to maintain the status quo and peace in the Taiwan Strait," the Republican said in Taipei.

Beijing voiced strong opposition to the visit, saying it undermined Sino-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The visit "ran against the political commitment of the US to maintain only unofficial relations, sending a seriously wrong signal to the separatist force of Taiwan independence," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Lai, who took office a week ago, is set to continue the policies of Tsai Ing-wen, his predecessor from the same Democratic Progressive Party.

Foreign minister Lin Chia-lung noted the recent Chinese drills and called the visit "an important gesture of solidarity" at a critical time.

The delegation was led by house foreign affairs committee chairman Michael McCaul, who was sanctioned by Beijing last year for visiting Taiwan in April.

"America is and always will be a reliable partner, and no amount of coercion or intimidation will slow down or stop the routine visits by the Congress to Taiwan," he said.

McCaul cited congressional approval last month of a military aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.