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U.S. Congresswomen visit Taiwan amid uncertainty over $14 billion arms sale
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

U.S. Congresswomen visit Taiwan amid uncertainty over $14 billion arms sale

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • U.S. Congresswomen Lucy McBath and Valerie Foushee are visiting Taiwan from June 16-20.
  • The visit occurs amid uncertainty over a potential $14 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan.
  • Legislators will meet with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and discuss security and economic ties.

U.S. Congresswomen Lucy McBath and Valerie Foushee, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Democrats, began a visit to Taiwan on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Their trip, scheduled to last until June 20, takes place against a backdrop of uncertainty regarding Washington's approval of a significant arms package for the island.

matters of importance such as security, economic and trade relations and the regional situation between Taiwan and the United States

— Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign AffairsDescribing the topics to be discussed during the U.S. congresswomen's visit.

During their stay, the legislators are set to meet with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. They will also attend a banquet hosted by Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung. According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions will focus on critical issues such as security, economic and trade relations, and the regional situation between Taiwan and the United States.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Taipei and Washington are important partners in security and trade, sharing a mutually beneficial relationship. The ministry stated that Taiwan aims to strengthen this partnership across all domains, focusing on enhancing its self-defense capabilities, societal resilience, and safeguarding its hard-won democracy.

On the good foundations already existing, Taiwan will solidly promote the partnership with the United States in all areas, focusing on strengthening its self-defense capability and the resilience of the entire society and safeguarding a hard-won democracy

— Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign AffairsStating Taiwan's commitment to deepening its partnership with the U.S.

This visit comes at a sensitive time for Taipei, which awaits a decision on a $14 billion U.S. arms package. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously indicated a decision would be made soon, describing the arms supply as a "very good negotiating chip." Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in early June that the package remained under review, and Trump reiterated his intention to discuss the operation directly with the Taiwanese president, a move that would break with diplomatic precedent.

very good negotiating chip

— Donald TrumpDescribing the U.S. arms supply to Taiwan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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