It is the second high-profile group to travel to the island amid escalating military tensions with neighboring giants. China.

• Taiwan thanked the US for maintaining security in the strait
• Chinese fighter jets attacked Taiwan’s air defense zone

A five-member delegation led by Democratic Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts will meet with Taiwanese leaders to discuss issues such as US relations with the island, regional security, trade and investment, the American Institute in Taiwan said.

China, which claims the territory of Taiwan, Military exercises are conducted around the island To express their outrage at US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei this month, The pivot of one of the biggest recent crises between the USA and the Asian country.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “sincere thanks” this past Saturday (13). to the United States to take “prudent measures” to maintain security and peace in the Taiwan Strait.

The delegation also includes Republican Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radevagen of American Samoa, Democrats John Garamendi of California, Alan Lowenthal of California, and Don Baer of Virginia.

The group will meet with Tsai on Monday morning, Taiwan’s presidential office said.

“Markey, leading a delegation to visit Taiwan, demonstrates once again the strong support of the United States Congress for Taiwan, especially as China escalates tensions with military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and region,” the statement said.

(Video: Understand the importance of Taiwan.)

Senator Ed Markey’s office said the group will also meet with elected leaders and members of the private sector to discuss common interests, including reducing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and expanding economic cooperation. Semiconductors”.

How important is the island to world powers?

Taiwan is an island home to 23 million people 130 km off the coast of China.

• Taiwan: Learn about the island’s history and how tensions with Communist China re-emerged

For the Asian giant, it is a Rebel Province remains part of its territory. For the Government of Taiwan, The island is an independent country, governed by its own constitution.

The Chinese have said they intend to retake the territory, even by force if necessary.

However, over the past few decades, both parties have “parked” their causes: Beijing did not attempt to invade the island, and Taipei did not proceed with plans to become independent.

But that strategy has changed recently, as current Chinese President Xi Jinping, seeking re-election, has re-hardened his anti-Taiwan rhetoric and resumed military exercises around the island last year.

The stance coincided with the rise to power in the United States of Democrat Joe Biden, who has consistently spoken out in favor of Taiwan independence, an issue barely touched upon by his predecessor Donald Trump.