27 May 2024 | 08:48 AM UTC
Taiwan: US lawmakers to visit senior government officials and civil society leaders in Taiwan through May 30
Enhanced security likely in Taiwan during ongoing visit by US lawmakers through May 30. Possible flight, maritime shipping delays.
Authorities will likely maintain an enhanced security posture during the visit of a delegation of US lawmakers led by the chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul. The US representatives will meet with senior Taiwan officials and civil society leaders to discuss bilateral relations, international security, and economic issues. Enhanced restrictions, including vehicular checks and traffic curbs, are probable. The tightest security is likely around Taipei, especially around government buildings such as the Presidential Office Building.
The Chinese military could hold further military exercises, including live firing drills, in the sea and air space around Taiwan through till May 30. During any such exercise, the Chinese military could enforce flight and maritime exclusions areas. Maritime shipping delays and flight delays cannot be ruled out at airports in Taiwan.
Monitor trust local sources for potential shipping congestion and delays. Consider alternative transport for time-sensitive cargo. Confirm flights till through May 30 if traveling through airports in Taiwan as a precaution.
China held large-scale military exercises May 23-24 in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan's outlying islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin. China's military stated that the drills were held in response to alleged separatist forces in Taiwan. The event appears to be military posturing in response to Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te's inauguration on May 20, during which the leader gave a speech urging Beijing to cease military and political intimidation against Taiwan. Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait typically increases in response to remarks by Taiwanese leaders on China-Taiwan relations, or during high-profile meetings between senior US and Taiwan leadership, as was the case with previous military drills in August 2022 and April 2023; however, the scale of the recent drills are notably lower - no exclusions zones were declared, and live fire drills were limited to mainland China.
While the likelihood of armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait remains low, further military exercises, including intrusions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), remain possible over the coming days during the US representatives' visit.
