Weapons that Taiwan has ordered from the U.S. are coming, a senior U.S. lawmaker said Monday, as a bipartisan House delegation met with the Beijing-claimed island's new president.
"We are moving forward on those weapons systems," Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said at a news conference in Taipei after he and other lawmakers met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.
McCaul said the weapons' importance was underscored by the "armada" of Chinese ships and planes that engaged in "punishment" drills around Taiwan last week in response to Lai's inauguration speech.
In that speech, Lai, the former vice president, called on China to cease its threats and "face the reality" of Taiwan's existence.
In translated remarks before his closed-door meeting with the lawmakers, Lai said the delegation's visit "demonstrates your firm support for the new government as well as the people of Taiwan."
Persons:
Michael McCaul, Lai Ching, McCaul, Lai
Organizations:
Foreign Affairs
Locations:
Taiwan, U.S, Beijing, Texas, Taipei, China