Delegation of former US defense and security officials visit Taiwan

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has also led to fears that the same may be done to Taiwan. This week, a delegation of former US defense and security officials appointed by President Joe Biden arrived in Taiwan.

A group of former US defense and security officials appointed by Biden arrived in Taiwan Tuesday. The officials that visited served under the Bush and Obama administrations; former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Bush and Obama Mike Mullen, former Bush Deputy National Security Adviser Meghan O’Sullivan, and former Obama defense under-secretary Michele Flournoy.

Mike Green and Evan Medeiros, who previously served in the National Security Council as experts for Asia, were also present in the visit. The group arrived at Songshan airport and was received by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. The delegation met with President Tsai Ing-wen Wednesday, the same day former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who served under Donald Trump, would be arriving separately but will be visiting as a private citizen.

“A warm welcome to the US delegation led by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mullen. Taiwan is committed to working with the US & other like-minded partners to maintain peace & stability in the region,” tweeted Tsai.

Taiwan’s Premier Su Tseng-Chang also told reporters Tuesday that the visit by the delegation is an indication of how important the relations between the US and Taiwan are, including Washington’s support for the island nation. The visit, however, also comes as tensions remain between the US and China over Taiwan.

China claims Taiwan as part of the mainland and is repeatedly engaging in a pressure campaign to get the island and its democratic government to submit to Beijing’s authority. While China has previously insisted that reuniting the island nation with the mainland should be peaceful, it has not ruled out using military force.

Also, this week, Tsai and Su, along with Vice President William Lai, announced that they would each donate one month’s salary to the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. The ongoing crisis has led Taipei to voice support for Ukraine as it continues to be invaded by Russia. Tsai’s government also sent 27 tons of medical supplies to Ukraine as its first batch of aid.

Taiwan also announced last week that it would be joining other democratic nations in imposing sanctions on Russia.