Overview

• Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker and Sen. Deb Fischer arrived in Taipei for meetings with President Lai Ching-te and senior officials.
• Wicker said Taiwan is a free country with a right to remain free and to preserve self-determination.
• He indicated the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act will add Taiwan-related provisions, offering no specifics.
• China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the visit as undermining sovereignty and urged Washington to stop official contacts with Taipei.
• The trip comes as lawmakers voice concern that President Trump’s push for a China trade deal could dilute emphasis on Asia-Pacific security.