US lawmakers arrive in Taiwan for bilateral talks amid China tensions

TAIPEI: U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko along with fellow Reps. Andy Biggs and Carol Miller arrived in Taiwan Sunday for bilateral talks with government officials, Taiwan Information reported.
According to Taiwan Information, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the delegation’s arrival, demonstrating the U.S. Congress’s unwavering support for Taiwan and peace and stability in the country. Taiwan Strait.
The delegation’s visit comes as Taiwan and the United States seek to deepen defense cooperation to counter the Chinese threat, according to Taiwan Information.
During his visit, he will meet with President Lai Ching-te and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations, the security situation across the Taiwan Strait, and economic and economic policies. energy.
The US envoy is also attending Taiwan’s National Day celebration, Taiwan Information reported.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Lesko’s previous visit to Taiwan was in 2016 as a member of a legislative delegation from the southwestern US state, while the other members were visiting for the first time. times.
The three lawmakers are longtime advocates of Indo-Pacific stability and Taiwan Strait security.
“Taiwan will continue to work closely with its American friends to deepen the bilateral partnership based on shared values ​​and promote regional peace and prosperity,” the Foreign Ministry said.
According to Taiwan Information, the United States plans to send a team to Taiwan next year to assess the feasibility of allowing Taiwan’s National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) to assemble and produce 1 985 Stinger missiles he had previously ordered.
The team will evaluate NCSIST’s technical capacity, manufacturing capabilities and cybersecurity measures.
At the Taiwan-US Defense Industry Conference last month, the two parties agreed that Taiwan could become a valuable partner for the US defense industry, leading to mutually beneficial development, Taiwan reported. Information.
The conference allowed Taiwanese officials to discuss issues with US defense contractors, strengthening bilateral cooperation mechanisms and communication platforms.