U.S. House Unites Behind Taiwan Amid Trump’s $14 Billion Arms Package Review

More than 30 members of the U.S. House of Representatives pledged firm support for Taiwan during a reception on Wednesday at the Longworth House Office Building to welcome Han Kuo-yu, president of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. The event occurred as President Donald Trump’s administration reviews a $14 billion arms sales package for Taiwan—a move Beijing has strongly opposed and which received preliminary congressional approval months ago.

Among those in attendance were Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul, and vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus Ted Lieu. Pelosi emphasized the dual priorities of peace and economic stability, stating: “It’s about peace. It’s also about commerce in terms of keeping the ships able to travel here.” McCaul added: “I love Taiwan. It’s very important to me to say that the United States supports you, Mr. Speaker.”

Han Kuo-yu, who arrived in Washington Tuesday night after a stop in Phoenix where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is building advanced semiconductor facilities critical to the U.S. artificial intelligence sector, highlighted Taiwan’s economic ties with America. He noted that Taiwan has surpassed Germany as the U.S.’s fourth-largest trading partner and urged greater international participation for the island amid China’s territorial claims.

“Taiwan feels very lonely in its heart,” Han said during his remarks. “I am here asking Taiwan’s good friends in Congress … to help us participate in global activities.” The delegation had previously met with U.S. senators but declined to share specific details.

Han is scheduled to depart for Taiwan on Friday aboard EVA Air’s inaugural nonstop flight between Washington Dulles International Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport—a trip touted as evidence of deepening U.S.-Taiwan ties.