US lawmakers reaffirm support for Taiwan during parliamentary leader’s Washington visit

A bipartisan group of American lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Taiwan during a visit to Washington by Han Kuo Yu.

A bipartisan group of American lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Taiwan during a visit to Washington by Han Kuo Yu, the president of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The visit comes as the Trump administration reviews a proposed 14 billion dollar arms sales package for the self governed island, despite the plan already receiving preliminary approval from Congress.

More than 30 members of the US House of Representatives attended a reception for Han at the Longworth House Office Building. The gathering included both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, highlighting the broad political backing Taiwan continues to receive in Congress. Among those present were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representative Michael McCaul and Representative Ted Lieu, all of whom stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with Taiwan.

Lawmakers described support for Taiwan as a shared priority that goes beyond party politics. They emphasised that continued cooperation is essential for preserving peace and stability in the Indo Pacific region. Several members also noted Taiwan’s growing importance to global trade and supply chains, particularly in the production of advanced semiconductor chips.

Han arrived in Washington after visiting Phoenix, Arizona, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is expanding its operations. The company is building new chip manufacturing facilities in the United States to meet rising demand for advanced semiconductors used in artificial intelligence and other high technology industries. Taiwan’s leading role in semiconductor production has strengthened its strategic importance to the American economy.

During his visit, Han and his delegation also met a group of Democratic senators, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The senators called on the Trump administration to move ahead with the proposed arms sales package without further delays. They said the United States remains committed to helping Taiwan maintain its ability to defend itself and deter growing military pressure from China.

Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in relations between Washington and Beijing. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it will seek reunification, using force if necessary. The United States does not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent country, but under domestic law it is required to provide the island with defensive equipment to strengthen its security.

Some lawmakers expressed concern over suggestions that the arms package could become part of wider negotiations with China. They argued that Taiwan’s security should not be treated as a bargaining tool. Representative Lloyd Doggett said the United States should provide Taiwan with the defensive weapons it needs as quickly as possible, while Representative Ted Lieu urged the administration to remove obstacles delaying the package.

In his address, Han praised the long standing partnership between Taiwan and the United States. He said both societies share democratic values and a commitment to freedom. He also highlighted Taiwan’s growing trade relationship with America, noting that the island has become one of the United States’ largest trading partners, driven largely by exports of advanced technology products.

Han also appealed for greater international support for Taiwan. He said the island continues to face diplomatic isolation because of pressure from Beijing, which prevents many countries and international organisations from recognising or engaging with Taiwan. He urged American lawmakers to continue helping Taiwan expand its participation in global affairs.

Han is expected to conclude his visit by travelling on the first direct EVA Air flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Taiwan, a new route that both sides see as another sign of strengthening relations between the United States and Taiwan.