TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The co-chairs of the U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus on Wednesday opened the first trip by U.S. lawmakers to the island where the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party won a third straight term in presidential elections this month.
China, America's chief competitor for global influence, claims Taiwan as its own territory and threatens to use force to bring it under its control.
While China regularly sends warplanes and navy ships to intimidate and harass Taiwan, there was no discernible spike in activity on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Defense Ministry reported seven Chinese warplanes and five naval vessels had been detected near the island over the previous 24 hours.
It also said two Chinese balloons flew over the island's northern and southern regions.
Persons:
Ami Bera, Florida Republican Mario Díaz, ”, Lai Ching, Tsai Ing, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden
Organizations:
U.S . Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Wednesday, U.S, Democratic Progressive Party, Reps, Florida Republican, The Defense Ministry
Locations:
TAIPEI, Taiwan, California, United States, China, Beijing, Taipei . Washington