A bipartisan delegation of Republican and Democratic lawmakers from the United States recently visited Taiwan to reaffirm U.S. support for the country’s defense amidst tensions with China. Despite President Trump’s critical stance towards Taiwan, conversations during the visit were described as optimistic and forward-looking. Taiwan’s leaders emphasized their commitment to addressing Trump’s concerns and are actively working on new trade and investment deals that align with the U.S. administration’s priorities.

The discussions also focused on Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities independently, drawing lessons from past conflicts and seeking collaborations with the U.S. in areas such as drone warfare. The delegation, led by Sens. Pete Ricketts and Chris Coons, engaged in talks with top Taiwanese officials, including President Lai Ching-te, Defense Minister Wellington Koo, and national security adviser Joseph Wu.

Amidst a backdrop of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, concerns were raised about the potential for Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. President Trump’s recent tariffs on Taiwan raised eyebrows, prompting Taiwanese officials to emphasize their allegiance to the U.S. and their willingness to cooperate on defense and trade matters.

Taiwan’s proactive approach to strengthening its defense capabilities, increasing military spending, and engaging in strategic partnerships reflects a concerted effort to safeguard its sovereignty and security in the face of regional challenges. The visit underscored the importance of U.S.-Taiwan relations and the shared commitment to countering external threats, particularly from China.