The Pentagon has confirmed that a U.S. congressional delegation flew into Taiwan Tuesday night on a military plane. This delegation is believed to have paid a call at the Presidential Office Wednesday morning. So far, Taiwan and U.S. officials have kept mum about the details on the group''s itinerary or the length of their stay. In an off-camera media briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stressed that the visit was, quote, "routine," and in line with U.S. commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act.
On Wednesday morning, a minibus with a MOFA license plate rolled up to the Presidential Office. According to sources, the bus and its convoy were transporting a congressional delegation that arrived unannounced Tuesday evening. The delegation was scheduled to attend meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen and the National Security Council.
Joanne Ou
Voice of Foreign ministry spokesperson
Regarding the Taiwan visit of U.S. senators and members of Congress, the itinerary was arranged by the American Institute in Taiwan. We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the necessary administrative assistance to the visitors.
The delegation arrived on a U.S. C-40 Clipper military transport plane.
The plane had departed from Manila Tuesday evening and landed at Taipei''s Songshan Air Force Base.
Reports say the delegation includes four Republican senators, including Mike Leigh as well as John Cornyn, who recently introduced the "Taiwan Deterrence Act." There are also two House representatives, aides, one colonel and one lieutenant. All in all, 13 people are in the delegation.
Both Washington and the Taiwan government have been tightlipped on details of the visit.
Reporter
The U.S. congressional delegation reportedly arrived in Taipei earlier today. Could you confirm the report?
Ned Price
US Department of State spokesperson
I will refer you to that congressional delegation. As you know, delegations from our Congress often do travel overseas. But we''ll leave it to them to characterize their trip.
Meanwhile, U.S. Department of Defense Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed that a congressional delegation was indeed visiting Taiwan. Kirby said it was not uncommon for such delegations to be transported in military aircraft. He said the visit was in line with the U.S.'' obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act.
As they continue their visit shrouded in mystery, the U.S. delegation is drawing attention with their every move.
