A senior United States lawmaker is planning to visit Taiwan in August, raising hopes in the region as doubts grow over Washington’s current support for the self-ruled island. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, a key Republican figure, is set to travel there next month, according to reports shared by three people familiar with the plan.
Wicker, who chairs the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, is known for his strong backing of Taiwan. He is widely seen as one of its most dependable allies in the US Congress. While lawmakers from Washington visit Taiwan from time to time, this trip carries extra meaning. Many in Taiwan fear that President Donald Trump is losing interest in the island and turning his attention to building closer ties with China.
The American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as Washington’s unofficial embassy, has not confirmed the trip. Wicker’s office has also declined to comment so far. But the timing of the visit is drawing attention, as recent developments have increased concerns about the US-Taiwan relationship.
Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te had been expected to make a stopover in the United States on his way to Latin America. However, reports say he canceled the trip after Trump refused a layover in New York. Although the president’s office never officially confirmed the travel plans, it later said Lai had no plans to travel overseas. The statement said he would stay in Taiwan to deal with the aftermath of a typhoon and ongoing tariff talks with the United States.
Just days after Lai canceled his trip, Trump announced that he hoped to visit China following an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The shift in focus has raised eyebrows in Taiwan. President Xi has long vowed to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, by force if needed. He also views President Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party as pushing for Taiwanese independence.
Beijing has strongly opposed visits by Taiwanese leaders to the US, even if they are unofficial. At the same time, Trump has made several concessions to China in recent months. These include giving access to advanced US-made chips and not allowing President Lai’s travel plan. These actions have led many to believe that Trump is placing his China agenda ahead of Taiwan.
For many Taiwanese, this shift has caused concern. A survey in April involving 1,500 voters showed only 23.1% believed the US was a trustworthy partner. That number dropped from 33.6% recorded in June 2024, when Joe Biden was still president. The poll was led by Lev Nachman, a political analyst at National Taiwan University, who said the visit by Senator Wicker could help ease worries. He noted that such a trip, which used to be seen as routine, is now likely to be viewed as a much-needed show of support.
Former US National Security Council official Liza Tobin said Beijing may try to block Wicker’s visit. She noted that China tends to press for more concessions when the US gives ground. Since Trump is pursuing a trade deal and a visit with Xi, it’s possible that China may pressure the administration to cancel the trip.
Tobin said that giving in to such demands would only encourage China to push harder. She warned that Wicker’s visit could become a bargaining chip in the larger negotiations between the US and China. Still, many in Taiwan see the visit as a chance to show that some parts of the US government remain committed to the island.
Even if Senator Wicker’s visit doesn’t result in major policy changes, it may bring much-needed reassurance. For Taiwan’s government and citizens, a clear and public display of support from US lawmakers could help restore trust in the long-standing relationship.
