Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, speaks during a news conference. A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers flew to Taiwan for an official visit Thursday, defying threats from the Chinese government.Lawmakers from both the House and Senate landed in the country Wednesday morning to a warm welcome from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.
The Chinese government soon released a statement condemning the visit.The lawmakers visiting were Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Richard Burr of North Carolina, and Rob Portman of Ohio, Republican Texas Rep.
Ronny Jackson, and Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez.The lawmakers are among the most high-level U.S. officials to visit Taiwan.
Mainland China argues Taiwan is a rogue region of China and not an independent country. The U.S. has tenuously respected that designation for decades, even while sending military aid and occasional visits from U.S.