Senior US senators visit Taiwan amid rising tensions with China

Two senior Republican senators known for their strong backing of Taiwan have arrived in Taipei to discuss security as China steps up military pressure on the island.

Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Deb Fischer told reporters on Friday that their visit was meant to underscore the “great partnership” between the United States and Taiwan.

“We stand here to re-emphasise the partnership and the security, friendship agreement that the United States has had with Taiwan for some decades,” Wicker said before meetings with President William Lai Ching-te and other officials.

Their trip comes just days before the US Senate takes up the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), a nearly $1 trillion bill that sets policy for America’s armed forces. Wicker said the NDAA would “add to the provisions again” concerning Taiwan, without going into detail.

Fischer, also a member of the Armed Services Committee, said ahead of the trip that she wanted to see “firsthand how we can strengthen our posture in the region in order to safeguard American interests and our allies.”

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, had urged the senators to cancel the visit. China frequently condemns US support for Taipei, and has increased military drills and war games near the island in recent years.

The senators’ trip comes at a delicate moment. Some lawmakers in Washington have voiced concern that President Donald Trump is softening his stance on regional security as he prioritises trade talks with China. Reports say Trump’s administration blocked Taiwan’s president from transiting in New York after Beijing objected, prompting the cancellation of his Latin America trip.

Administration officials, however, insist Trump remains committed to Asia Pacific security, even as he cultivates a personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Taiwan relies on the US as its most important international partner and arms supplier, despite lacking formal diplomatic recognition.

Meanwhile, Naval News reported that the US is exploring new sites in Palau and Australia for stockpiling equipment in the Pacific to improve supply chains and mobility. Washington also announced plans to rebuild a dock in Palau, one of Taiwan’s closest diplomatic allies.