A group of U.S. senators from the Armed Services Committee arrived in Taiwan on Friday, reaffirming Washington’s security partnership with the island at a time when both Taipei and Beijing are seeking trade deals with the United States.
The delegation is led by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, a long-time supporter of Taiwan.
Their trip is part of a wider Indo-Pacific tour that includes stops in Hawaii, Guam, Palau, and the Philippines.
Speaking in Taipei, Wicker said the visit was meant to strengthen the “partnership and security friendship agreement” that has defined U.S.-Taiwan relations for decades.
He added that the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act would once again include provisions related to Taiwan, though he did not disclose details.
The senators are scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te and other senior officials during the day.
Republican Senator Deb Fischer said the agenda would cover “security, opportunities and progress” for the region.
Taiwan has pledged to increase defense spending, in line with Washington’s calls for stronger military investment from its partners.
Taipei is also pushing to expand its defense capabilities, including the development of sea drones, amid growing pressure from Beijing.
The visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs weigh heavily on regional economies, prompting both Taiwan and China to pursue separate trade agreements with Washington.
Concerns about U.S. support for Taiwan have grown since Trump’s return to the White House, with some in Taipei uncertain about whether Washington would intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese invasion.
Beijing has strongly opposed closer U.S.-Taiwan ties, regularly condemning official visits and accusing Washington of fueling instability.
The trip also comes just days before China’s large-scale military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, where Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are expected to attend.