Three US lawmakers are calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to meet Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te during his upcoming stops in the United States. Representatives Tom Tiffany, Chris Smith, and Andy Ogles emphasized that Rubio’s scheduled visits to New York and Texas next month offer an important chance to strengthen diplomatic relations.
The lawmakers pointed out that Rubio, while serving as a senator in 2018, sponsored legislation encouraging senior US officials to engage directly with Taiwanese counterparts. They argue this policy remains vital today and should guide current actions. Furthermore, they believe a meeting with President Lai would showcase the strong partnership between the United States and Taiwan.
In addition to highlighting diplomatic ties, such a meeting would back Taiwan’s ongoing efforts in the region. The lawmakers also stressed that it would send a clear message to Beijing that its interference in American foreign policy is unacceptable. This demonstration of support, they say, could help counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness.
They noted the global political landscape has changed dramatically since the 1970s. Taiwan now thrives as a vibrant, multi-party democracy. Meanwhile, Communist China has become more repressive and confrontational. Given these changes, the lawmakers criticized current US policy toward Taiwan as outdated and stuck in the past.
According to them, the US approach appears frozen in time, reflecting a “hopelessly antiquated relic of the 1970s.” Therefore, meeting with President Lai would clearly show that the era of ignoring Taiwan’s progress is over. They insisted that the time has come to update US foreign policy to reflect today’s realities.
In conclusion, the lawmakers strongly urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to seize this opportunity. They believe a direct meeting with President Lai Ching-te would reinforce US commitment to Taiwan. More importantly, it would symbolize a shift away from old policies toward a more proactive and supportive stance.
By acting now, the US can demonstrate leadership and stand firmly with a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The call for the US Secretary of State to meet Taiwan president reflects growing bipartisan support for stronger ties and shared democratic values.
