Pentagon preparing for Kevin McCarthy to visit Taiwan against China’s wishes: report
By Iris Jung
Before you read:
The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to visit Taiwan this spring despite threats from China.
As House Republicans take an active role addressing Beijing, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province belonging to China, McCarthy is expected to uphold his midterm elections promise to visit the democratic island less than a year after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s own impactful visit. The Pentagon is working out the security logistics for McCarthy’s trip, according to a report from Punchbowl News.
In August 2022, Pelosi visited Taiwan during her Asia trip, prompting a series of congressional delegations to follow in her footsteps. Her controversial actions also prompted a series of violent repercussions in the form of Chinese military drills around the island.
In response to the upcoming Taiwan visit, U.S. government officials have shown their support for the decision, according to Politico.
“I think every member of Congress should make the visit [to Taiwan],” Senator Todd Young (R-IN) stated.
If he follows through, McCarthy’s visit is expected to further provoke tensions between the U.S. and Beijing as government officials pressure the Biden administration to take a stronger stance regarding China.
Although the Biden administration was initially opposed to Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, the administration has shown further involvement when preparing for the current speaker’s upcoming travels.
Previously, the administration displayed its support for the island’s “defense needs” by sending two U.S. Navy cruisers and a $1.1 billion arms package to the country.
President Biden — separate from the White House’s official statement — also confirmed his support for Taiwan in an interview with “60 Minutes.”
Neither the Pentagon nor McCarthy’s office have confirmed or denied reports of his expected visit.
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