TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) landed in Taiwan on Wednesday (May 28) for high-level meetings with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). During initial discussions, Foreign Minister Lin highlighted the significance of successive congressional delegations visiting Taiwan, noting the strong cross-party backing from American lawmakers. Lin reaffirmed Taiwan's dedication to strengthening bilateral relations with the United States.
Senator Duckworth, who serves in the Senate Taiwan Caucus — a bipartisan group advocating for U.S.-Taiwan relations — has established herself as a steadfast supporter of pro-Taiwan policies and played a key role in securing vaccine shipments to the island during COVID-19. According to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), her current stop forms part of an extensive Indo-Pacific itinerary aimed at addressing bilateral ties, security concerns, and economic cooperation with senior Taiwanese officials.
The senator's arrival demonstrates continued American legislative backing for Taiwan amid escalating pressure from Beijing, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部). Her visit coincides with another U.S. congressional mission led by Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee. Westerman's bipartisan delegation, which includes Representatives Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) , Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo), Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and Nick Begich (R-Alaska), is conducting a three-day visit from Tuesday through Thursday. ◼