China sends 30 warplanes in show of force.
A delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois arrived in Taipei on Monday on a previously unannounced visit. The delegation met Tuesday with Taiwan’s President to discuss “regional security, economic and trade cooperation, and all issues related to U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relations,” according to the Taiwanese presidential spokesperson. The delegation will also meet with the island nation’s Economic Affairs Minister before departing on Wednesday.
On Monday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that 30 Chinese warplanes made incursions into its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADZ), the highest daily figure in more than four months. In response, the Taiwanese military issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems to monitor the activities.
Taiwan was not included in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework recently unveiled by President Biden. But Taiwan and the U.S. could begin talks to deepen trade and economic ties within a few weeks.
Current U.S. policy acknowledges Beijing considers Taipei part of “one China,” but opposes any attempts to change Taiwan’s democratic status by force.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. legislators to seek God’s direction as they interact with Taiwanese leaders.
- For discernment for U.S. diplomats and military leaders in the Indo-Pacific.
- For the president and his administration as they support Taiwan.
Sources: CNN, Axios
