TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Representative Brad Wenstrup landed in Taiwan on Tuesday (Aug. 20) for high-level talks with government officials.

Wenstrup, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic chair, is visiting Taiwan from Aug. 19-21 as part of a larger Indo-Pacific trip, per the American Institute in Taiwan. He will meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) to discuss regional security and Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization. Wenstrup will also attend a banquet hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). 

The visit will provide Wenstrup’s delegation with a deeper understanding of Taiwan's pandemic response mechanisms, public health infrastructure, and future epidemic prevention plans, MOFA said. His arrival is a “concrete demonstration” of the US Congress's support for Taiwan, it added.

The foreign ministry said Wenstrup is a staunch friend of Taiwan, having co-signed multiple letters backing Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly. In 2021, he also urged the Biden administration to include Taiwan in the first round of vaccine donations. MOFA said it will continue to deepen its partnership with the US and advance shared interests.

Wenstrup’s trip comes after US Representative Marilyn Strickland’s visit last week. Strickland also met with Lai, Hsiao, and the foreign minister to exchange views on bilateral relations and security concerns.