Taipei: Visiting U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said Tuesday that her trip to Taiwan is intended to send a clear message that U.S.-Taiwan ties remain strong and will not "be swayed by any one president."
According to Focus Taiwan, Duckworth stated, "I am proud to be the first United States senator to visit Taiwan after the Trump-Xi summit to deliver a very strong message: regardless of president or party, Congress' commitment to Taiwan is steadfast." She made these remarks during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office on Tuesday afternoon. Duckworth emphasized that the U.S.-Taiwan relationship is enduring and not influenced by the political landscape in Washington.
Duckworth, a Democratic senator, referred to the summit held in Beijing in May, where U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping during Trump's first visit to China since resuming his presidency in 2025. Concerns have been raised by Taiwanese and international experts about the potential impact of warming U.S.-China ties on Taiwan's interests.
Addressing these concerns, Duckworth assured, "some voices may try to question the United States' commitment" to its allies, but she, along with her bipartisan colleagues in Congress, will continue to support Taiwan and uphold longstanding U.S. policy for Taiwan's security. She highlighted Taiwan's security as a global concern, stating that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could severely impact the global economy and U.S. GDP.
President Lai welcomed Duckworth on her fifth visit to Taiwan, acknowledging her continued support for Taiwan-friendly legislation and commitment to peace and stability in the region. He remarked on the significance of her visit, coinciding with the United States' 250th birthday, and reiterated Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its self-defense capabilities.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Duckworth and her delegation arrived late Monday and will stay through Wednesday. Her agenda includes meetings with senior Taiwanese officials to discuss a range of topics from Taiwan-U.S. relations to regional security and technological cooperation.
Duckworth, known for her military service and past role at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, previously visited Taiwan in May 2025 and in June 2021, where she announced a U.S. vaccine donation during the COVID-19 pandemic. MOFA regards her as a staunch supporter of Taiwan.
In a separate statement, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) noted that Duckworth's visit to Taiwan is part of a broader tour of the Indo-Pacific region.