US Senator Visits Taiwan, Says US Must Be a 'Reliable Partner'
US senator Tammy Duckworth (D) arrived in Taipei on Monday saying she wants to ensure that the US remains a “reliable partner” for Taiwan. She’s criticized US President Donald Trump for waffling on a US$14 billion arms package to Taiwan approved by US Congress months ago. In Taipei, she will meet with Taiwan president Lai Ching-te, vice president Bi-khim Hsiao, and legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu.
US Senator Visits Taiwan
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REPORTER:
Democratic US senator Tammy Duckworth arrived in Taipei on Monday saying she wants to ensure that the US remains a “reliable partner” for Taiwan.
On her fifth visit to Taiwan, Duckworth is leading a small delegation, and will meet with Taiwan president Lai Ching-te, vice president Bi-khim Hsiao, and legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu. She’s criticized US President Donald Trump for waffling on a 14 billion US dollar arms package to Taiwan approved by US Congress months ago. Trump referred to that package as a bargaining chip after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in May. Trump and Xi are expected to meet again in September, likely during the UN General Assembly in New York.
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US Senate Delegation Visits Taiwan
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REPORTER:
US Democratic senator Tammy Duckworth is in Taiwan with a message of commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense.
In an interview with Foreign Policy, Duckworth said that the US “cannot yield even an inch” to China, criticizing US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping in May, after which Trump said arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a negotiating chip with Beijing. He has yet to sign a 14 billion US dollar arms sale to Taiwan that was approved by Congress months ago. Duckworth said the US will continue to engage with longstanding partners regardless of the administration in charge. Trump and Xi are expected to meet again in September, likely during the UN General Assembly in New York.
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