A visiting U.S. delegation confirmed on Wednesday that the U.S. stands firmly behind its commitments to Taiwan.
The delegation of former top U.S. security and defense officials was led by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen.
“The United States will continue to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo and will continue to support a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan,” Mullen told Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, according to Reuters.
“I do hope by being here with you, we can reassure you and your people, as well as our allies and partners in the region, that the United States stands firm behind its commitments,” he added.
Taiwan is claimed by China as its own territory, and amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the island is on alert for a potential Chinese invasion.
“China’s military threat to the Taiwan Strait and to the region continues to rise,” Tsai said to the U.S. delegation, the news service reported.
The government, however, has not reported any unusual Chinese activity, Reuters reported.
Plans of the delegation’s visit prompted swift criticism from China, which said the efforts were “bound to fail.”
“The will of the Chinese people to defend our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is immovable. Whoever United States sends to show support for Taiwan is bound to fail,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at the time.
While Beijing has asserted that it will use force if necessary to bring the island under its control, Taiwan has pledged to defend itself in the event of an attack.