US Lawmakers Arrive in Taiwan After Chinese Military Drills

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has arrived in Taiwan, marking the first such visit since the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te. The delegation, led by Representative Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, includes Reps. Young Kim, Joe Wilson, Andy Barr, Jimmy Panetta, and Chrissy Houlahan. Their visit follows two days of military drills conducted by China around the island, which Beijing described as "punishment" for "separatist acts."

During their stay, the lawmakers plan to meet with President Lai to discuss the new administration's priorities and objectives. They will also engage with the leadership of the American Institute in Taiwan to review the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. Despite the regular occurrence of such visits, China views them as provocative and supportive of Taiwan independence, and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification with Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.