US Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, flanked by a bipartisan congressional delegation, promised Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen unwavering support for Taiwan in a meeting in early April, calling her a “great friend to America.” In her remarks, Tsai noted the importance of the relationship between the United States and Taiwan, adding that the presence and support of the delegation during her trip would “reassure the people of Taiwan that we are not isolated and we are not alone.” The meeting marked the highest-profile encounter between US and Taiwanese leaders on American soil since the end of formal diplomatic relations in 1979. The Chinese government blasted the meeting between Tsai and US lawmakers, with the Chinese Embassy in Washington calling it a ” serious mistake.” The foreign ministry said that China “will take resolute and forceful measures” to defend its territorial integrity in response. Only 13 nations recognize Taiwan. Western democracies describe their ties as “unofficial” in acquiescence to Beijing’s insistence that any government conducting official relations with China must deny Taiwan recognition. Only a minority of Taiwanese identify as Chinese.

AmCham members are invited to join a virtual meeting on April 28 featuring experts Ryan Hass, who served as the Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia at the National Security Council during President Obama’s second term, and Bonnie Glaser, who was a senior adviser for Asia and the director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Ryan and Bonnie will discuss their new book: U.S.-Taiwan Relations: Will China’s Challenge Lead to a Crisis?

AmCham Virtual Meetings provide unprecedented access to the political, policy, corporate, and institutional leaders whose expertise, insights, and experience shape the global business climate. There is no cost to participate. This virtual meeting is English-language and will use the Zoom platform. Please register your participation by clicking on the button below or by calling the AmCham office. Registered participants will receive an email the day before the meeting with the URL link and instructions.