US delegation set to visit Taiwan today: American Institute in Taiwan
3 Min Read
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), serving as the de facto representation of the United States in Taiwan, announces that the US delegation will meet with leading political figures and convey congratulations on the election.
-
A supporter of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), waves the national flag during a campaign rally of Hou Yu-ih (not pictured) at the Sanhe Market in Kaohsiung on January 10, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)
Just one day after Lai Ching-te from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the presidential election, a delegation from the United States is scheduled to visit Taiwan on Sunday.
The dispatched delegation will include former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley and former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, according to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which acts as the de facto representation of the United States in Taiwan.
"As we have done previously following a Taiwan presidential election, the US government has asked former senior officials to travel in their private capacity to Taiwan. Former National Security Advisor Stephen J. Hadley and former Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg will arrive in Taipei on January 14," the AIT said in a statement.
The delegation from the United States is set to meet with various prominent political figures the next day and will extend congratulations from the American people to Taiwan for the election, as stated in the announcement.
This comes amid heightened tensions as China has once again warned against US meddling in Taiwanese-Chinese affairs, emphasizing the necessity to avoid any signals that give separatists the wrong impression.
Read next: China warns US against fueling separatist notions in Taiwan
US hails results, says does not support Taiwan 'independence'
US President Joe Biden, commenting on Taiwan’s elections on Saturday, said the United States does not support the "independence" of the island.
"We do not support independence [of Taiwan]," Biden told reporters before leaving for the Camp David residence.
On his account, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Washington looks forward to working with the new leadership of Taiwan in line with the one-China approach.
"We look forward to working with Dr. Lai and Taiwan’s leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values, and to further our longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the U.S. one China policy as guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances," the statement read.
He also reiterated that the US is committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and stands for peaceful resolution of differences.
On this note, China claims Taiwan as its own and says it will not rule out using force to bring about "unification". Chinese President Xi Jinping in a recent New Year's address said the "unification" of Taiwan with China was "inevitable".
