China warned it would issue a “decisive” response after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy led a group of lawmakers to meet with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.
The threat comes as no surprise after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ramped up its rhetoric against the US and Taiwan amid news of the rally in Simi Valley, California.
China’s foreign ministry condemned the meeting, saying the country would take “effective measures” to respond to the events on Wednesday, according to Chinese state media Xinhua.
McCarthy and Tsai have insisted that the carefully orchestrated meeting worked out well because the Taiwanese president was “travelling” across the United States on her way back to her island nation after visiting Central America.
China warned against ‘decisive and effective action’ after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (right) continued to lead a group of lawmakers to meet with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen (left) on Wednesday
China warned ahead of the meeting that retaliation would follow if McCarthy and Tsai went through with the meeting.
But the Speaker of the House of Representatives dismissed threats by saying at a post-meeting press conference with other lawmakers that he will not let Beijing dictate where he travels or who he meets.
He also said the United States should step up and accelerate arms sales to Taiwan.
Flanked by a bipartisan group of lawmakers at California’s Ronald Reagan Library, McCarthy said his meeting with President Tsai is an attempt to avoid conflict as China tries to double down on the tiny island nation in the China Sea as its territory. .
Despite warnings from China to McCarthy, the speaker said he would not be deterred. He also said he is considering a trip to Taiwan with another bipartisan group of lawmakers in the future.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said earlier today that coinciding with Tsai’s meeting with McCarthy, a group of Chinese aircraft carriers appeared in the waters off the island’s southeast coast.
Speaker McCarthy led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California on Wednesday, April 5, 2023
McCarthy (right) and Tsai (left) held meetings Wednesday morning before making joint remarks to the press, followed by the press conference with the chairman and a bipartisan group of lawmakers
The military exercises increased threats from China over US support for Taiwan after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) warned of unspecified retaliation if the rally went ahead.
“My first message — there is no need for retaliation,” McCarthy told reporters gathered outside the library in Simi Valley, California, on Wednesday.
McCarthy’s Democratic predecessor Nancy Pelosi praised his meeting and showing bipartisan support for Taiwan.
“Today’s meeting between President Tsai of Taiwan and Speaker McCarthy should be commended for his leadership, his bipartisan participation, and his prominent and historic location,” Pelosi wrote in a statement Wednesday.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives also said China should recognize its position as top lawmaker in the US House of Representatives and realize that they cannot dictate where it goes.
“The only thing I would also say to China is that I am the Speaker of the House. There is no place where China is going to tell me where to go or who to talk to, whether you’re an enemy or a friend,” he added. “I’m not the general manager of the Houston Rockets.”
McCarthy gave credit where appropriate, saying the Biden administration has sent a signal to him and other lawmakers that they want to continue sending arms to Taiwan and are determined to help expedite the process.
“I think this administration, as well as my communications with them, understand the importance of accelerating the arms delivery systems,” McCarthy said, adding when asked if he thinks they should do more: “I don’t feel the same way differ based on your question.’
“And I do believe in President Reagan’s motto – ‘peace through strength’ – and deterrence,” claiming that sending arms will help prevent China from thinking it can bully Taiwan and bring it under its “One China” policy .
McCarthy said while speaking in front of a piece of the Berlin Wall at the Reagan Library that he would not let China dictate where he travels or who he meets and speaks with in response to questions about threats of retaliation
Security guards separate Taiwanese supporters as they confront anti-Taiwan independence protesters outside the hotel where Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is staying in California
When asked if the government should do more than send arms and increase trade, McCarthy took responsibility, saying it’s up to Congress to act.
“The one thing I always believe in is we have to keep communication going,” McCarthy said. “I think from policymakers here, the more we can speak with one voice, the more understanding China will understand where we stand. More importantly, it would help them understand: don’t send a balloon over our heads, don’t use authoritarian bullying tactics – it won’t get very far.”
However, McCarthy admitted that the turnaround in governance over the past few decades has sent a signal to China that the US’s stance on Taiwan’s autonomy is in question.
“I think the idea that America has flipped administrations in recent years has sent the wrong message to China,” he said.
He said the White House and lawmakers in Washington, D.C. need to send a consistent message that they stand with Taiwan.
Tsai did not join lawmakers for the press conference following their meetings, but did make brief remarks to the press thanking McCarthy for Congressional support for Taiwan’s autonomy.
“The members here today are making it clear: We take our support for the people of Taiwan seriously and are determined to speak with one voice,” McCarthy said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. “The relationship between the people of the United States and Taiwan has never been stronger in my life.”
Shortly after McCarthy spoke to No. 3 House Democratic Pete Aguilar, Chairman of the Select Committee on China Mike Gallagher, Democratic Ranking Member of the Select Committee on China Raja Krishnamoorthi and Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith.
President Tsai shakes hands with Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson prior to meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by McCarthy
Speaker McCarthy greeted President Tsai on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California
Those who did not speak at the press conference during the rally were Republican Representatives Ashley Hinson of Iowa; Rep. Montana’s Ryan Zinke; John Curtis from Utah; Florida’s Carlos Gimenez; Trent Kelly from Mississippi; John Moolenaar from Michigan; Adrian Smith of Nebraska; Michelle Steel of California and Rob Wittman of Virginia.
The Democrat list was slightly smaller with Representatives Julia Brownley of California; Seth Moulton of Massachusetts; Haley Stevens of Michigan; and Ritchie Torres of New York.
Speaking with President Tsai and her delegation Wednesday morning, McCarthy said lawmakers could gain insight into what actions they might take to help Taiwan amid growing threats from China.
This includes three things: continuing arms sales, strengthening economic cooperation and promoting shared values such as democracy and freedom.
“We discussed the critical ways to strengthen our bonds,” McCarthy said.
“Based on our conversations, it is clear that several actions are needed,” the Speaker added. “First, we must continue arms sales to Taiwan and ensure that such sales reach Taiwan in a very timely manner. Secondly, we need to strengthen our economic cooperation, especially in trade and technology. Third, we must continue to promote our shared values on the global stage.”