TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul on Tuesday (May 21) announced a trip to Taiwan later this month to congratulate President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on his inauguration.

At an inauguration celebration at Taiwan’s Twin Oaks Estate in Washington, D.C., McCaul said he was happy to return to Taiwan, and hoped the country would no longer be threatened by “the dragon in the backyard,” per CNA. He pointed out China’s attempts to unilaterally change the regional status quo. 

McCaul also promised to address delays in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

The lawmaker said the U.S. supports Lai and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) to deepen U.S.-Taiwan cooperation. He called Taiwan a significant partner of the U.S., particularly in humanitarian aid and economic affairs.

McCaul last visited Taiwan in April 2023. Leading a delegation, he met with then-President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and other government officials to exchange views on issues of common concern, according to the American Institute in Taiwan.