The US reaffirmed its support for Taiwan in the face of harassment and threats from the Chinese regime in the South Sea

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Republican Congressman Jack Bergman emphasizes importance of US-Taiwan partnership in countering China’s aggressive actions

During his visit to Taipei, Republican Congressman Jack Bergman highlighted the significance of the partnership between Washington and Taiwan as a crucial counterweight to China’s “increasingly aggressive actions in the region.” This affirmation comes amid growing tension in the South Sea, a disputed maritime area where China asserts territorial claims.

China considers Taiwan as part of its territory, but Taipei does not recognize this claim and has strengthened its alliance with the United States, its primary arms supplier. Bergman, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, stressed that the relationship with Taiwan is vital for the future security of the region.

The American Institute in Taiwan confirmed that the delegation, which includes Democratic Congressmen Donald Norcross and Jimmy Panetta, will remain on the island until Friday as part of a broader tour of the region. The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry emphasized the strong bipartisan support from the US for Taiwan and security in the Taiwan Strait.

The visit of the American delegation to Taipei comes shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Manila, where he reaffirmed the US’s defense commitments to the Philippines amid tensions in the South Sea. Beijing responded by stating that Washington has no right to interfere in the matter.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported the identification of 20 Chinese aircraft and eight warships around the island, marking the highest number reported this year. China’s consistent deployment of fighter jets, drones, and ships around Taiwan is seen as a “gray zone” tactic intended to serve as a warning to Taiwan and its allies.

The visit of prominent US officials and the heightened military activities in the region underscore the escalating tensions in the South Sea and the strategic importance of the US-Taiwan partnership in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.