Biden Sends Unofficial Delegation to Taiwan... Discusses Security Issues and More

42nd Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act Dispatch
China Protests Against Undermining the 'One China' Principle

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] It has been reported that U.S. President Joe Biden sent an unofficial delegation composed of former lawmakers and senior officials to Taiwan. The delegation, dispatched to mark the 42nd anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, which guarantees Taiwan's security, is expected to discuss Taiwan's national security, diplomacy, and other issues with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. China has strongly opposed the move, calling it a violation of the "One China" principle.

According to foreign media including CNN on the 13th (local time), the unofficial delegation was sent to Taiwan at President Biden's request. The delegation consists of three former lawmakers and senior officials: former Senator Chris Dodd, former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, and former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg. CNN reported that they were dispatched as a delegation commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, a domestic law enacted in 1979 that guarantees Taiwan's defense and security after the U.S. severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. President Biden also participated in the vote on the Taiwan Relations Act as a senator at the time.

During their three-day schedule, the delegation is expected to have extensive discussions with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and other senior Taiwanese officials on Taiwan's national security, diplomacy, and defense sectors. According to Taiwanese media such as United Daily News, the Taiwanese government has expressed to the U.S. delegation its efforts to maintain regional stability and hopes for concrete U.S. support in the fields of economy, trade, and security. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the U.S. unofficial delegation is scheduled to arrive at Taipei Songshan Airport by a chartered flight at around 2:40 PM local time on the 14th.

This visit by the delegation was initiated following the recent issuance of new guidelines by the U.S. State Department encouraging exchanges between U.S. and Taiwanese officials. U.S. officials will now be able to regularly invite Taiwanese officials to federal government buildings and meet with economic and cultural officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, which functions as Taiwan's embassy.

Meanwhile, China has strongly opposed the visit, stating that it violates the One China principle. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China, harshly criticized the move the previous day, saying, "The United States strongly opposes any form of government-level relations between the U.S. and China's Taiwan region."