U.S. Congress Reiterates Strong Bipartisan Support for Taiwan's Security Amid Tensions with China

The U.S. Congress continues to have strong support for Taiwan even as it remains a focal point in relations with China, according to members of a delegation at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

"There's really strong bipartisan support for Taiwan and Taiwan security, and making sure we build on so much of the progress that has been made" regarding the island's ability to defend itself, Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill, said in a media roundtable at the Dialogue.

Taiwan, which asserts the right to self-government but is also claimed by China, has been in focus given remarks made over time by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has referred to $14 billion in arms sales to the island, which has been approved by Congress, as a "negotiating chip" with China.

"Our commitment to Taiwan – it's not changing," said Representative Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., in another media roundtable at the Dialogue. "If you look at the work we have done with Taiwan, there can be no assertion that the United States has not been there" for the island.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth didn't mention Taiwan in his earlier remarks at the Dialogue. However, Representative Michael Baumgartner, R-W.A., downplayed the significance of the omission. Hegseth "mentioned the status quo with emphasis," Baumgartner said. "That includes Taiwan in my view."

Weapons sales to Taiwan were approved by Congress "in a bipartisan manner," noted Representative Greg Meeks, D-N.Y.. "We're focused on Taiwan and its security," and "we're willing to give them what they need to defend themselves."