China must 'pay price' for Russia backing: US senator in Taiwan
American lawmakers have vowed that Washington would not abandon the island in an unannounced visit to Taiwan.
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China must 'pay price' for Russia's backing, says US senator in Taiwan.
A senior United States senator said on Friday that China must pay a price for backing Russia's operation in Ukraine, during a trip to Taiwan.
During the trip, the American lawmakers vowed that Washington would not abandon the island.
Beijing warned of "severe measures" in response to a two-day visit to Taipei by a delegation led by Lindsey Graham, a vociferous China hawk.
During a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Graham said the United States would "stand for what we love, we would stand with you."
"We are going to start making China pay a greater price for what they are doing all over the world. The support for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin must come with a price," he added.
Taiwan; more than an island
Taiwan's security has worldwide ramifications because the island manufactures almost 90% of high-end semiconductor chips, according to Senator Bob Menendez, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"Those who wish Taiwan ill must understand that the global community will look at that and say we cannot allow Taiwan to be negatively impacted because the world's interests are involved," he said at a separate press conference.
When asked if Washington should send troops to help "defend" Taiwan in the event of an alleged Chinese attack, Graham said, "Every option is on the table."
Read more: China: Pelosi's visit to Taiwan could cross Beijing’s 'red line'
"We have a strong military not to take other people's properties but to protect our freedom and the freedom of the world," he claimed.
Like most countries, the United States diplomatically recognizes Beijing but retains de facto connections with Taipei and is required by congressional legislation to support Taiwan's defense.
Both former President Donald Trump and his successor, Joe Biden, increased US arms sales and diplomatic visits to Taiwan.
US congressmen in Taiwan
After US congressmen visited Taiwan, the Chinese armed forces prepared to conduct military exercises near the island, the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China said.
The CNA, Taiwan's news agency, reported that a delegation of six US congressmen, headed by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez, arrived on Thursday on an unannounced visit for talks with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and National Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng.
However, Beijing firmly opposed any official contact between the US and Taiwan.
