Taiwan has right to be free and ‘preserve self-determination’, senior US senator says

Taiwan has the right to remain free and uphold its self-determination, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a staunch supporter of Taiwan in Congress, told the island’s president on Friday.

Speaking at the presidential office in Taipei, Wicker said he and fellow Republican Senator Deb Fischer were visiting to gain a clearer understanding of Taiwan’s priorities and challenges.

“We come here from the United States bringing a message from Congress — one of commitment, long-term friendship, and determination that a free country like Taiwan absolutely has the right to remain free and to preserve self-determination,” Wicker said during the meeting with President Lai Ching-te.

Beijing, which regularly denounces any shows of support for Taipei from Washington, repeated its opposition to Wicker’s trip. China firmly opposes any official exchanges between the US and Taiwan, the country’s foreign ministry said.

via reuters.com