TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Rep. Michael McCaul, chair emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that China's increasingly belligerent threats toward Taiwan pose a direct challenge to the global balance of power during his third visit to Taiwan, per VOA.
McCaul, a Republican from Texas, visited Taiwan from Aug. 2-7, meeting 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). He also delivered a speech at the annual Ketagalan Forum, where he reiterated US support under the Taiwan Relations Act.
"At a time when the stakes couldn't be higher, I was proud to visit Taiwan for the third time to reaffirm the United States' unwavering support," McCaul said in a statement. "The increasing belligerence of the Chinese Communist Party poses a direct threat — not only to Taiwan, but to the entire global balance of power," per a press release.
McCaul said he has consistently supported Taiwan, including efforts to advance the 2024 Supplemental Appropriations Act and strengthen US-Taiwan economic relations. He also highlighted his support for closer security cooperation among the US, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In recognition of his support for Taiwan, Lai awarded McCaul the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Brilliant Star.
McCaul previously announced that he would not seek reelection after his current term in Congress expires.
During his visit, McCaul also met with opposition leaders, including Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), and legislators from opposition parties. Discussions covered Taiwan's recently passed defense budget, the importance of drones, and US-Taiwan cooperation on drone production.
Before leaving Taiwan, McCaul also met with officials from the National Security Council and Ministry of National Defense to exchange views on strengthening Taiwan's defenses against China's coercive actions in the region. He also visited US drone company Shield AI and the Industrial Technology Research Institute, where he learned about Taiwan's drone industry and ITRI's certification work.
ITRI is the first institution outside the US authorized to certify that drones do not contain components from China, per VOA.
McCaul, a member of the House of Representatives Taiwan Caucus, first visited Taiwan in April 2023 as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He returned in May 2024 to attend Lai's inauguration.
China conducted military exercises involving aircraft and naval forces around Taiwan during both of those visits and imposed sanctions on McCaul. During his latest visit, McCaul said China's coercive actions had only strengthened his commitment to supporting a free and peaceful Taiwan.
