Taiwan has the right to defend its independence: U.S. Senator Wicker

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, visiting Taiwan’s capital Taipei, has expressed support for the island’s right to independence and self-determination. On Friday, two influential Republican senators arrived in Taiwan, meeting with President Lai Ching-te to discuss security cooperation amid escalating Chinese military threats.

Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Wicker, said, “On behalf of the U.S. Congress, we come with a message of long-term friendship and commitment. A sovereign state like Taiwan has the full right to remain independent and exercise self-determination.”

Senator Deb Fischer, traveling with Wicker, also emphasized strengthening bilateral partnerships. Before the trip, Fischer stated in a release that directly observing ways to bolster the U.S. presence in the region was her goal.

The visit comes as the U.S. Senate prepares next week to discuss nearly $1 trillion in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which could include new provisions regarding Taiwan, Wicker indicated.

Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the visit. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, “This visit undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and sends the wrong signal to separatist forces in Taiwan.”