In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, speaks as Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, right, listens during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, April 15, 2022. U.S. lawmakers visiting Taiwan have made a pointed and public declaration of their support for the self-governing island democracy while also issuing a warning to China. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.Y.) pledged US support for Taiwan during their recent visit. While speaking with Taiwan’s president Friday, Menendez pointed to the global significance of Taiwan as one of the world’s leading producers of high-end semiconductor products.
The New York lawmaker then said it should be understood that the security of Taiwan has a global impact for those who would wish it ill. Meanwhile, Graham promised the US would start holding China accountable.
“So, here’s my promise to you and the Taiwanese people: We’re going to start making China pay a greater price for what they’re doing all over the world,” stated the Republican.
… & democracy-loving countries. It's great to know that at time when #Ukraine🇺🇦 is fighting back, good #US🇺🇸 friends like @LindseyGrahamSC, @SenatorMenendez, @SenatorBurr, @SenRobPortman, @SenSasse & @RepRonnyJackson are conveying a clear message: #Taiwan🇹🇼 is not alone. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/EuUDkh2DCt
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) April 15, 2022
China released a statement condemning the trip and US-Taiwanese interactions soon after their arrival. The US has previously promised to support Taiwan engaging in arms deals in the past. However, new documents show pandemic-related acquisition issues have sparked a backlog in the US delivering over $14 billion worth of military equipment to Taiwan that they have purchased since 2019.
Source: One America News Network
