A senior United States Republican legislator, Senator Roger Wicker, is reportedly planning a trip to Taiwan in August, amid growing fears that US President Donald Trump is losing interest in relations with the democratic, self-ruled island in favor of building ties with China. Wicker, who chairs the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, is considered “one of Taiwan’s biggest allies in Congress”.
The visit comes at a time of uncertainty for US-Taiwan relations, particularly after Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te cancelled his travel plans to the US en route to visiting allies in Latin America. According to reports, Trump nixed a layover in New York, prompting Lai’s office to state that the president had no plans to travel overseas as he focused on typhoon cleanup in southern Taiwan and tariff negotiations with the US.
This development is significant, given China’s pledge to annex Taiwan by peace or by force, and its consideration of Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as “separatists”. Beijing objects to visits by Taiwanese leaders to the US, even if carried out on an unofficial basis. Wicker’s trip may be used by US legislators to assuage fears that the White House is losing interest in Taiwan.
Lev Nachman, a political scientist at National Taiwan University in Taipei, noted, “I’m sure many will hope for words of affirmation and commitment to the US-Taiwan relationship, which before would be par for the course, but today will feel extra needed to assure both the DPP and Taiwanese citizens who have a declining view of the United States.” A survey in April found that just 23.1% of Taiwanese voters viewed the US as a “trustworthy or very trustworthy” partner, down from 33.6% in June 2024.
Liza Tobin, managing director at the geopolitical advisory group Garnaut Global, highlighted the potential risks of Beijing’s pressure on the US administration. “Unilateral concessions are like catnip for Beijing to push for more concessions, and with the president angling for a trade deal with China and a visit with Xi, China may try to pressure the admin to in turn put pressure on Wicker to cancel the trip,” she said. “Let’s hope he doesn’t give in.”
Wicker’s visit is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties and address regional security concerns amidst rising tensions. As the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, his presence in Taiwan would demonstrate the US commitment to the island’s security and defense.