Taiwan-China tensions: US delegation pays another visit to the 'disputed' island

After last month's controversial visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, another US delegation on Thursday visited the disputed territory of Taiwan.

The Congressional group led by Florida Democrat Stephanie Murphy met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who on regular occasions has been deprived of diplomatic recognition and participation in international organisations.

The delegation reiterated United States' "rock-solid commitment to Taiwan."

Murphy in her speech put forth Washington's willingness to deepen economic ties with Taiwan through high quality free trade agreement between the two countries

On the delegation's visit to her country, the Taiwanese President said her country will actively deepen cooperation with Democratic partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.

Tsai-Ing emphazied that her country's "will not bow to pressure or coercion. "

The 8-member US delegation is reportedly the 6th visiting group , in the aftermath of the military tensions between China and the government in Taipei

The visit is likely to disappoint Beijing which has time and again disapproved of any intervention in Taiwan. It had also sanctioned US Speaker Nancy Pelosi over her high tension visit to the autonomous region in early August.

Since Pelosi's visit, China has stepped up military exercises in Taiwan by sending warships, warplanes, drones to the self-ruled island.

Murphy is among lawmakers who introduced a bill that would allow the US to lend weapons to support Taiwan, similar to a bill that had passed to lend weapons to Ukraine. Last week, the Biden administration approved a $1 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

The other American lawmakers visiting are Hawaii Democrat Kaiali'i Kahele and Republicans Scott Franklin of Florida, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Andy Barr of Kentucky, Darrell Issa of California, Claudia Tenney of New York, and Kat Cammack of Florida.