Taiwan hosts sixth U.S. congressional delegation in a month

Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen on Thursday received the sixth delegation of U.S. lawmakers in a month in her office and pledged to deepen cooperation amid rising tensions with China.

Recent visits to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several congressional delegations have drawn Beijing’s ire. In response to Pelosi’s visit, China has conducted large-scale maneuvers around Taiwan, followed by a new round of military exercises.

U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy, who is leading the delegation, has said at the meeting with the Taiwanese president that the visit is “a symbol of Congress’ strong commitment to Taiwan.”

Tsai, for her part, has detailed that Taiwan will continue to work with the United States to “further” strengthen trade and economic ties, while addressing threats from China.

“Taiwan will not bow to pressure or coercion. We will defend our democratic institutions and our way of life,” the Taiwanese leader said, according to the agency.

The U.S. delegation arrived late Wednesday and will remain until Friday.

Other members of the delegation include Democrat Kaiali’i Kahele and Republicans Scott Franklin, Joe Wilson, Andy Barr, Darrell Issa, Claudia Tenney and Kat Cammack.

Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the democratic island part of its territory and opposes any form of official contact between the countries and Taiwan.