A senior U.S. senator has sent a strong message to both allies and enemies alike: Taiwan has the right to remain free and make its own choices. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, traveled to Taiwan this week to show support for the island’s government and to hear directly from its leaders. His visit comes at a time when China is increasing pressure on Taiwan, raising serious concerns for U.S. national security and the balance of power in Asia.
Wicker met with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te and made it clear that the U.S. Congress stands firmly with Taiwan. “A free country like Taiwan absolutely has the right to remain free and preserve self-determination,” Wicker said. His words were not just about friendship—they were a signal that America is watching closely and will not stand by as China tries to bully its neighbors.
Taiwan is a democratic island located about 100 miles off the coast of China. It has its own government, military, and economy. But the Chinese Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out using force to take it. Over the last five years, China has stepped up its military activities near Taiwan, including war games and airspace violations. These are not just drills—they are threats, and they are meant to intimidate both Taiwan and any country that dares to support it, including the United States.
The Chinese government was quick to condemn Wicker’s visit, calling it an “official exchange” that they oppose. But Taiwan’s President Lai responded by saying that the future of Taiwan should be decided only by its people. He also repeated his offer to talk with China—an offer that Beijing continues to reject.
The visit by Senator Wicker comes ahead of a major Chinese military parade, where top authoritarian leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un will be present. This parade is more than a celebration—it’s a show of force by countries that oppose freedom and democracy. When these regimes stand together, Americans should pay attention. Their goal is to weaken the United States and its allies, and Taiwan is on the front lines of that struggle.
Wicker’s trip also comes as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, a nearly $1 trillion bill that sets policy for the Pentagon. Wicker noted that the bill would include new measures to support Taiwan, though he didn’t give details. Past versions of the NDAA have included funding for weapons sales, military training, and joint exercises with Taiwan. These efforts make it clear that Taiwan is not alone—and that America has a strategic interest in keeping the island free.
Why does this matter to Americans? First, Taiwan is a key partner in global technology. It produces most of the world’s advanced computer chips, which are used in everything from smartphones to fighter jets. If China were to take control of Taiwan, it could disrupt the global economy and give the Chinese Communist Party control over a critical supply chain.
Second, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could drag the United States into a major war. Under U.S. law and long-standing policy, we are committed to helping Taiwan defend itself. If China attacks, we may be forced to respond. That could mean American lives at risk and a conflict that spreads across the Pacific.
Finally, the fight over Taiwan is about more than geography—it’s about freedom. If China can crush a democratic neighbor without consequences, it sends a message to other countries: might makes right. That is not a world the United States can afford to accept.
Senator Wicker’s visit is a reminder that America must stay strong, support its allies, and never back down from defending liberty. Taiwan’s future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the United States has both the power and the responsibility to stand for freedom in Asia and around the world.