US to deliver arms to Taiwan under 1979 Law: US delegation head
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The first United States congressional delegation following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te visits Taiwan, announcing a US arms delivery to Taiwan.
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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, right, shares a light moment with Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas after receiving a cowboy hat in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 27, 2024. (AP)
On Monday, the United States will uphold its commitments to Taiwan under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, including the supply of weapons, Michael McCaul, Chairman of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said.
A US Congress delegation, led by McCaul, is visiting Taiwan from May 26 to 30. The delegation was received by Lai Ching-te, the new head of the island's administration. Lai, who was inaugurated on May 20, saw his first week in office marked by comprehensive Chinese military drills conducted from May 23 to 24.
Emphasizing the importance of supplying Taiwan during a news conference in Taipei after meeting with Lai, McCaul said, "We are moving forward on those weapons systems," adding, "I'd like to see them faster, but they are forthcoming."
"The three commitments in that historic legislation that stand out to me. Number one, to provide Taiwan with weapons of a defensive character. Second, to ensure that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means. Third, the United States must maintain the ability to resist any use of force or coercion that would threaten the security of the people of Taiwan That is what we stand for and that is what we continue to stand for," McCaul said during a joint press conference with Lai, broadcast by Formosa TV.
Earlier last week, China announced on Wednesday sanctions against several US defense firms and their executives in response to what it called Washington's "economic coercion" against Chinese companies and its arms sales to Taiwan.
Beijing also referenced US sanctions on Chinese entities for "so-called Russia-related factors" as a reason for imposing these "countermeasures".
The sanctions were imposed on multiple US defense companies and their executives, which encompass units and individuals affiliated with Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics, as per a statement released by Beijing's Foreign Ministry
