The delegation’s visit comes as Taiwan and the US seek to deepen defence cooperation to counter the Chinese threat…reports Asian Lite News
US Representative Debbie Lesko along with fellow representatives Andy Biggs and Carol Miller arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for bilateral talks with government officials, Taiwan News reported.
According to Taiwan News, Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the delegation’s arrival, demonstrating the steadfast support of the US Congress for Taiwan and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The delegation’s visit comes as Taiwan and the US seek to deepen defence cooperation to counter the Chinese threat, as per Taiwan News.
During the visit, he will meet with President Lai Ching-te and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to discuss US-Taiwan relations, the security situation in the Taiwan Strait, and economic and energy policies.
The US representative also attends the National Day celebration in Taiwan, Taiwan News reported.
According to MOFA, Lesko’s previous visit to Taiwan was in the year 2016 as part of a US Southwest state legislative delegation, while the other members were visiting for the first time.
All three lawmakers have been long-time advocates of Indo-Pacific stability and Taiwan Strait security.
“Taiwan will continue to work closely with its friends in the US to deepen the bilateral partnership based on shared values and promote regional peace and prosperity,” the foreign ministry said.
According to Taiwan News, the US plans to send a team to Taiwan next year to evaluate the feasibility of allowing Taiwan’s National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to assemble and produce 1,985 Stinger missiles it previously ordered.
The team will assess NCSIST’s technical capacity, production capabilities, and cybersecurity measures.
During the Taiwan-US Defense Industry Conference last month, both sides agreed that Taiwan could become a valuable partner for the US defence industry, leading to mutually beneficial development, the Taiwan News reported.
The conference allowed Taiwanese officials to discuss issues with US defence contractors, solidifying bilateral cooperation mechanisms and communication platforms.
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China ups activity around Taiwan
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that 27 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Sunday to 6 am (local time) on Monday.
According to Taiwan’s MND, 19 of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line in the country’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, Taiwan MND stated, “27 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 19 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
This latest Chinese military activity adds to a series of similar provocations by Beijing in recent months. (ANI)
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