Full Breakdown
Bipartisan Congressional Reception for Taiwan’s Legislative Leader Amid $14 Billion Arms Package Review
6/25/2026, 7:35:37 AM
Congressional Show of Support for Taiwan
On Wednesday, more than 30 House members welcomed Han Kuo-yu, President of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, and his eight-person delegation at the Longworth Office Building. The meeting coincided with a $14 billion arms sales package under review after President Donald Trump’s May Beijing trip, prompting lawmakers to urge approval.
Background: U.S.–Taiwan Security Ties and Review
The Taiwan Relations Act obliges the United States to provide defensive arms to Taiwan. Congress cleared the $14 billion package earlier this year, but President Trump has signaled it could be used as a bargaining chip in U.S.–China talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that overall U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.
Key Figures and Delegations
Han Kuo-yu, a Kuomintang legislator, led the Taiwanese delegation. U.S. participants included Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Ted Lieu (D-CA). Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) met the delegation on the Senate side.
Data & Statistics
Taiwan’s 23 million people make it the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner, overtaking Germany, driven by TSMC’s advanced chips. Only 12 nations, including the Holy See, formally recognize Taiwan. The arms package totals $14 billion.
Official Statements & Responses
Democratic lawmakers issued a joint statement stressing “close and friendly relations with Taiwan, providing Taiwan with arms for self-defense and supporting deterrence against growing coercion from the People’s Republic of China.” Republican Representative Michael McCaul reiterated personal support for Taiwan. President Trump signaled a review of the arms package, suggesting it could be a bargaining chip. Secretary Rubio said the United States’ strategic stance toward Taiwan has not changed.
Criticism & Opposition
Representative Ted Lieu condemned the delay, urging an immediate reversal. Representative Lloyd Doggett warned that labeling Taiwan a “bargaining chip” threatens its identity as an “island of freedom.” Both framed the hold as contrary to U.S. security interests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love Taiwan,” — Michael McCaul, Representative, Texas
- “The support for Taiwan is bipartisan and bicameral — both houses, both parties,” — Nancy Pelosi, Former Speaker, California
- “I believe we need to make available every weapon that Taiwan needs in its defense as quickly as it becomes possible.” — Lloyd Doggett, Representative, Texas
- “I urge the administration to reverse that and to allow their arms sale to proceed,” — Ted Lieu, Representative, California
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not confirm whether any Republican senators met Han’s delegation, noting only that Democratic senators, including Jeanne Shaheen, did. While President Trump suggested the arms package could be a bargaining chip, Secretary Rubio’s statement that policy remains unchanged leaves the administration’s final position ambiguous.
What’s Next
Han Kuo-yu will leave on Friday aboard EVA Air’s inaugural nonstop flight between Washington Dulles and Taiwan Taoyuan, a symbolic sign of deepening ties. The Trump administration’s decision on the $14 billion arms package is expected in the coming weeks, with possible effects on U.S.–China relations and regional security.
