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US Congressional Delegation Led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers Visits Taiwan Amid US-China Tensions
The Visit of the Delegation in Taiwan
A bipartisan congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers landed in Taiwan on Tuesday for a three-day visit as reported by the American Institute in Taiwan. In the delegation were several members of the committee together with Adam Smith, D-Wash, the ranking member as well as other committee members and other lawmakers. The delegation will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday as per the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
US-China Relations
The visit is happening at a sensitive moment for America's relationship with China, its largest trading partner and strategic competitor in political, economic, and security arenas. Taiwan is at the center of a broader effort by the US to contain China's military and diplomatic expansion throughout the Indo-Pacific. For China, Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy, but it views Taiwan as a province of the Chinese mainland.
Mike Rogers on Board
Mike Rogers' attendance at the event marks the third time members of Congress have made public trips to Taiwan this year. His trip is likely not lost on Beijing or Taipei since he chairs the committee charged with funding and oversight of the U.S. military. Congressional visits to geopolitically sensitive areas like Taiwan are typically kept under wraps until the delegation arrives. Any public comments about the trip are usually reserved until after it is over.
Impact on US-China Relations
While visits by senior Biden administration officials to China may help normalize the US-China relationship, visits like Rogers' delegation to Taiwan tend to have the opposite effect. On Capitol Hill, anti-China sentiment is far more visible as it is one of the few issues on which both parties agree. However, it is not that visible in the White House. The US trade interests and the need to avoid military conflict are higher priorities. Therefore, congressional visits to Taiwan might do more harm than good.
Biden Administration's Intention on Relations with China
The Biden administration has taken a few steps to stabilize the bilateral relationship with China, which reached a low point in February. It was after the US shot down a Chinese surveillance balloon. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing in June, which was scheduled for February but was postponed in response to the spy balloon dustup. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also reportedly plans to visit China in July.
The visit of the congressional delegation led by Mike Rogers to Taiwan is happening at a critical juncture of US-China relations. Taiwan's status is at the center of a broader US effort to fact check China's activity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit serves to signify the US's support for Taiwan, which is a self-ruling democracy but viewed by China as a province of the Chinese mainland. Congressional visits to Taiwan have the potential to harm US-China relations, as it reinforces the anti-China sentiment that dominates in Capitol Hill and may not be of the same priority in the White House. Although the Biden administration is taking measures to stabilize the US-China bilateral relationship, the congressional delegation's public trip to Taiwan could have the opposite effect. The impact on US-China relations remains uncertain, but analysts and stakeholders will likely track potential implications closely.
For new businesses, the impact of the visit of the congressional delegation to Taiwan on their operations and enterprises remains unclear. However, it is essential for them to remain updated on geopolitical developments and their potential impact on local or international markets. Any changes in the US-China relationship can disrupt trade flows and potentially impact inventory, sales, and revenue. Understanding the geopolitical landscape can help businesses better prepare, adapt, and mitigate potential risks. Therefore, it is critical for businesses to keep up with the latest developments and continuously monitor the situation to stay competitive and resilient.
