Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday welcomed the presence of a large delegation from the US Congress during her visit to California, which she said was proof of Washington’s “unwavering” support for Beijing, AFP reported.

The 66-year-old president met with Republican Kevin McCarthy, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, despite repeated threats of “retaliation” from China in recent weeks.

Last August, Beijing launched unprecedented military maneuvers around Taiwan when Democrat Nancy Pelosi, McCarthy’s predecessor in the House, visited Taiwan. This time, China accused the US of “playing with fire”.

Cautious tone

In this context, McCarthy struck a cautious tone. He assured that relations between Taiwan and Washington are “stronger” than at any time “in his lifetime.”

He was surrounded by a large group of lawmakers, both Republican and Democratic, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, near Los Angeles.

“Their presence and unwavering support assures Taiwanese that we are not isolated, we are not alone,” cheered Taiwan’s president, who hails from a traditionally pro-independence party — an absolute red line for Beijing.

China considers the democratic and autonomous island of Taiwan one of its provinces that needs to be recaptured, advocating “peaceful reunification” but not ruling out the use of force.

In the name of the “one China” principle, no country should have official ties with Beijing and Taipei at the same time.

Only 13 nations still recognize Taiwan, including Belize and Guatemala, the Latin American countries Tsai visited on her tour to strengthen relations with her few official allies after her first stop in New York.