U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Medina, was a member of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's delegation that arrived in Taiwan late Tuesday in a visit that is increasing tensions between China and the U.S.
Pelosi is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25 years. The visit rankled Beijing officials, who dispute the island's self-rule, and China announced military maneuvers in retaliation soon after the group's arrival.
"Congresswoman DelBene arrived in Taiwan with Speaker Pelosi's congressional delegation to Asia today. Taiwan is an important economic partner to the U.S. and a champion of democracy in the region," said DelBene's communications director, Nick Martin. "This visit underscores our commitments to Taiwan. It is also one of Washington state's top trading partners."
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and it views visits by foreign government officials as recognition of the island's sovereignty.
"Our Congressional delegation's visit to Taiwan honors America's unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan's vibrant Democracy," Pelosi said in a statement.
In a statement Sunday, DelBene said she will be joining the congressional delegation as they travel the Indo-Pacific region.
The visit, which will also include Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, is focused on mutual security, economic partnership and democratic governance, Pelosi's office said in a statement.
DelBene, vice chair of the trade-focused Ways and Means Committee, said Asia is a "critically important region" for U.S. economic and national security interests. Roughly 40% of Washington state's economy is tied to international trade, she said.
"I look forward to helping strengthen existing relationships with our allies and trading partners, open new markets for American companies, and level the playing field for American workers," DelBene said in a statement. "Forging more resilient and reliable supply chains with trusted partners in Asia is a top priority for me so we can lower costs for consumers and manufacturers here at home."
The visit came on the same day as Washington's primary, and DelBene, who represents Washington's 1st Congressional District, is vying for her sixth term in office. The Democrat took an overwhelming lead over a field of four challengers with 72% of the vote Tuesday night.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.
