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US Senator Blackburn Makes a Bold Stop in Taipei
In a scene straight out of a diplomatic drama, Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, hopped onto a US military plane and landed in Taipei on Wednesday, August 25th. This was the third high‑profile U.S. trip to Taiwan that month, challenging Beijing’s urge to halt such visits.
Landing and Welcome
- Blackburn was greeted on the tarmac by Douglas Hsu, the director general of Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
- Live TV footage streamed from Songshan Airport, showing the senator’s arrival.
- Blackburn’s statement: “Taiwan is our strongest partner in the Indo‑Pacific. Regular high‑level visits to Taipei are long‑standing U.S. policy. I won’t be bullied by Communist China into turning my back on the island.”
What the Trip Means
China, which considers Taiwan its own territory, has protested every U.S. visit to Taipei. After Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip in early August, Beijing launched military drills close to the island. It’s the usual bezique: the U.S. visits, China responds, tensions rise.
Key Meetings
- President Tsai Ing‑wen
- Deputy Security Chief Wellington Koo
- Foreign Minister Joseph Wu
According to Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry, “the two sides will exchange views extensively on issues such as Taiwan‑U.S. security and economic and trade relations.” Tsai will meet Blackburn on Friday morning.
China’s Reaction
Beijing’s embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu declared that the U.S. would face “resolute countermeasures” for its “provocations.” He accused the U.S. of stirring conflict and meddling in China’s internal affairs.
Recent Suspicious Moves
After Pelosi’s visit, China carried out its first ballistic missile launches over Taipei and cut some communications with Washington. Pelosi was soon followed by a handful of other U.S. lawmakers, prompting further military exercises near Taiwan.
U.S. Position
The Biden administration stresses that these congressional visits are routine and part of a longstanding “One China” policy. A White House National Security Council spokesperson said that U.S. officials will continue to visit Taiwan, as is tradition.
Bottom Line
While the U.S. has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it remains legally bound to help the island defend itself. China keeps the door open to using force to bring Taiwan under its control. Taiwan says the only people who can decide their future are the island’s 23 million residents.
