“Taiwan is our strongest partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Regular high-level visits to Taipei are a long-standing US policy,” Blackburn said in a statement on Thursday.
The ruling Communist Party of China claims that Taiwan is part of its territory, despite never having ruled it, and has refused to rule out the use of force to control it.
The US does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is required by law to provide the island with defensive weapons and has been deliberately ambiguous about whether it would intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack.
In tweets Friday morning, the US senator, who does not represent the Biden administration, reiterated her support for Taiwan.
“I will never go to the Chinese Communist Party,” she said in one. “I will stand by the (Taiwanese) and their right to freedom and democracy. Xi Jinping does not scare me,” she added later, referring to the Chinese leader.
During a meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday morning, Blackburn emphasized the values of democracy and freedom, which she says Washington shares with Taiwan.
“It is indeed important that freedom-loving nations support Taiwan in their efforts to preserve their independence and freedom,” Blackburn said.
Tsai said recent visits by US public figures “have strengthened Taiwan’s determination to defend itself”.
“We look forward to continuing to help and support Taiwan as it continues to develop as an independent nation,” Blackburn said.
Under its long-standing “One China” policy, the US recognizes Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China, but has never officially recognized the Communist Party’s claim to the self-governing island of 23 million.
The US Senator will also meet with Secretary General of the National Security Council Wellington Koo and Secretary of State Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry, during her three-day visit. said.
China had no immediate comment on Blackburn’s visit, but has made clear its anger since Pelosi’s visit with both military exercises and statements saying the actions of US politicians and government policies threaten the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insisted on visiting Taiwan without regard to China’s grave concerns and strong opposition, seriously interfering in China’s internal affairs, seriously undermining China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, one-China principle and the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” the ministry said.
Gladys Tsai in Taipei and Alex Stambaugh in Hong Kong contributed to this report.
