Taiwan stands firm against pressure during high-level meetings in Washington, where lawmakers sought stronger security ties and deeper cooperation.
Leading the delegation, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Ting-yu emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to regional peace and national defense. He reiterated the island’s strategic use of Coast Guard ships in disputed waters. This tactic, according to Wang, helps avoid direct military confrontation with China.
Unlike warships, Taiwan’s Coast Guard vessels send a less provocative signal. This approach reassures both domestic audiences and the international community. “We maintain our stance without escalating the situation,” Wang told US officials during private briefings.
Moreover, Taiwan’s defense policy emphasizes readiness over aggression. Wang explained that if Coast Guard costs are included, Taiwan’s defense spending rises to nearly 4 percent of GDP. This figure surpasses NATO’s 2 percent benchmark and demonstrates the island’s serious commitment to its security.
Taiwan stands firm against pressure even when navigating the geopolitical gray zone, Wang stressed repeatedly. He noted that Taiwan’s peaceful posture does not equate to weakness, but rather reflects deliberate restraint.
During the visit, the Taiwanese delegation met senior US defense and national security officials. These closed-door meetings covered topics ranging from military modernization to bilateral defense coordination.
In one exchange, Wang raised longstanding concerns about Taiwan becoming a bargaining chip in US-China negotiations. Such fears trace back to past trade talks, where Taiwan often felt sidelined. However, US officials dismissed these anxieties.
One senior US security figure said, “There is nothing Xi Jinping can offer that would make us trade away Taiwan.” Wang relayed this assurance in follow-up remarks, describing it as the clearest message of support he had ever received.
Still, the delegation did not hear only reassurances. US officials warned against complacency within Taiwan’s legislature. They strongly urged lawmakers to avoid budget freezes or cuts to military spending. “Allies will not risk their soldiers for a country that underfunds its own defense,” a Pentagon official reportedly said.
Taiwan stands firm against pressure by defending its democracy while building deterrence, Wang explained. He warned that voices seeking to weaken Taiwan-US cooperation often parrot Beijing’s agenda.
Aside from official meetings, the delegation visited multiple think tanks and advocacy groups. They discussed cybersecurity, disinformation, and emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific. Policy experts praised Taiwan’s balanced approach to sovereignty and peace.
In addition, US lawmakers voiced bipartisan support for Taiwan’s security posture. Several emphasized the need to accelerate arms deliveries and joint training.
The Taiwanese delegation, now continuing outreach efforts in Los Angeles, remains focused on strengthening trust with American institutions. They aim to expand cooperation beyond defense into areas like trade, education, and public health.
Throughout their trip, Wang and his colleagues repeatedly highlighted Taiwan’s role as a stable partner in a volatile region. They insisted that the island’s strategy of moderation paired with firm resistance offers a model for small democracies facing larger authoritarian threats.
As global tensions rise, Taiwan’s message remains clear. It seeks peace, values democracy, and never backs down from defending its way of life. Taiwan stands firm against pressure—at home, in the Taiwan Strait, and on the world stage.
