US Lawmakers Plan Taiwan Visit Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit/ Newswlooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A bipartisan group of U.S. senators plans to visit Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. The trip comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s upcoming summit with China’s Xi Jinping. Lawmakers say the visit aims to reinforce alliances and counter China’s regional influence.
US Lawmakers Taiwan Visit Quick Looks
- Four senators plan Taiwan visit
- Trip includes Japan and South Korea
- Visit comes before Trump-Xi summit
- China likely to oppose Taiwan stop
- Lawmakers emphasize Indo-Pacific alliances
- Taiwan relies heavily on U.S. support
- Trade and semiconductor ties highlighted
- Bipartisan delegation aims reassurance
- Meetings planned with defense officials
- Trip signals continued congressional backing
Deep Look: US Lawmakers Plan Taiwan Visit Ahead of Trump Summit With China’s Xi
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of U.S. senators plans to visit Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea in the coming days, a move aimed at reinforcing U.S. alliances in Asia ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced the trip Saturday. She will be joined by Sen. John Curtis of Utah, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada.
The delegation’s stop in Taiwan comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with Trump scheduled to travel to Beijing in May for a rescheduled summit with Xi. Taiwan remains one of the most contentious issues in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over the self-governing island and opposing official U.S. contacts.
Bipartisan Message Ahead of Summit
Shaheen said the trip demonstrates continued congressional support for U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
“This bipartisan delegation demonstrates Congress’ commitment to these alliances and partnerships is unwavering and will endure well beyond any one administration,” Shaheen said.
Lawmakers plan to meet with political leaders and defense officials in Taipei, Tokyo, and Seoul. The visit is intended to reassure allies as tensions grow over China’s expanding military and economic influence in Asia.
Sen. John Curtis described Taiwan as a strategically important partner.
“Our alliance with Taiwan is one of the most strategically and morally significant partnerships America has in the Indo-Pacific,” Curtis said.
China Likely to Scrutinize Visit
Congressional visits to Taiwan often draw strong objections from China, which views the island as part of its territory. The planned stop is expected to attract similar scrutiny, particularly given its timing before the Trump-Xi meeting.
Analysts believe Xi may use the summit to push Trump to soften U.S. support for Taiwan. Taiwan relies heavily on American security backing, even though the United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.
Recent developments have also raised questions about U.S. policy toward Taiwan. Trump has discussed potential weapons sales to Taiwan with Xi, prompting uncertainty about how firmly the United States will support the island moving forward.
Economic Ties Under Review
Taiwan also plays a crucial role in U.S. economic and technological interests, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. The United States depends heavily on Taiwan for computer chips, which has contributed to a significant trade imbalance.
During the first 11 months of 2025, the U.S. trade deficit with Taiwan reached nearly $127 billion. The Trump administration reached a trade agreement with Taiwan in February that removed 99% of trade barriers, further strengthening economic ties.
Broader Foreign Policy Concerns
Lawmakers also expressed concern about how U.S. military actions elsewhere — including conflicts involving Iran and Venezuela — could influence China and Russia’s geopolitical strategies.
Some policymakers worry that global conflicts may signal opportunities for rival powers to test U.S. commitments in Asia.
The delegation’s trip aims to counter those concerns by reaffirming U.S. engagement with allies across the Indo-Pacific region.
Previous Congressional Support
Bipartisan congressional delegations have visited Taiwan regularly to demonstrate support. During a similar visit last year, lawmakers emphasized continued cooperation with Taiwan on defense, economic ties, and democratic governance.
With Trump preparing for high-stakes talks with Xi, the upcoming congressional visit underscores continued bipartisan backing for Taiwan — and signals that U.S. support is likely to remain a key issue in U.S.-China relations.
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