Taiwan has right to be free and ‘preserve self-determination’, senior US senator says
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US Senator Roger Wicker said he and Senator Deb Fischer were visiting to reinforce and emphasise the "great partnership" the United States and Taiwan had and would have in the future.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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TAIPEI – Taiwan has the right to be free and “preserve self-determination”, US Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Armed Services Committee and one of the strongest advocates for Taiwan in the US Congress, told the island’s President on Aug 29.
Mr Wicker, a Republican, told Taiwan President Lai Ching-te during a meeting at the presidential office in Taipei that he and his colleague, Senator Deb Fischer, were visiting to get a better understanding of Taiwan’s needs and concerns.
“We come here from the United States bringing a message from the Congress of commitment, of long-term friendship and a determination that a free country like Taiwan absolutely has the right to remain free and preserve self-determination,” he said.
Beijing, which regularly denounces any shows of support for Taipei from Washington, repeated its opposition to Mr Wicker’s trip. China firmly opposes any official exchanges between the US and Taiwan, the country’s Foreign Ministry said.
China has increased its military activities around Taiwan over the past five years or so, including staging war games. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.
Mr Lai reiterated to Mr Wicker his offer to talk to China – which Beijing has repeatedly rejected – but said that Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its people.
The US Senate is due to consider next week the National Defence Authorisation Act, or NDAA, a nearly US$1 trillion (S$1.29 trillion) Bill that sets policy for the Pentagon.
Mr Wicker said earlier that 2025’s NDAA would “add to the provisions again” when it came to Taiwan, though he gave no details.
In comments released by the de facto US embassy in Taiwan, Mr Wicker added that the Taiwanese people’s resolve to live in a free society was a symbol of hope for the world.
“I’m glad to be here and to stand shoulder to shoulder with the free people of Taiwan as we work together to enhance their right to self-determination,” he said.
Mr Wicker is visiting just a few days before Beijing holds a mass military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where guests include Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
His trip also takes place as some members of Congress – both President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans and Democrats – expressed concern that Mr Trump is de-emphasising security issues as he works on negotiating a trade deal with China.
But administration officials have said Mr Trump remains fully committed to Asia-Pacific security matters, as he pursues his trade agenda and a good personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the US is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier. REUTERS
