Shangri-La Dialogue: US Senator Emphasizes Bipartisan Support for Taiwan

The Shangri-La Dialogue, a major Asian security forum, is underway in Singapore. US Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) told CNA on the 30th that the US has a bipartisan commitment to Taiwan, which is vital to US national security. The 2026 forum, held from May 29-31, has attracted global media attention. Compared to last year, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made fewer direct references to Taiwan, yet the Taiwan Strait remains a focal point for international media. Regarding Hegseth's concerns over Chinese military expansion, Duckworth expressed worry that the Trump administration might be distracted by conflicts elsewhere, potentially affecting the priority of the Indo-Pacific region. On the $14 billion arms sale, Duckworth emphasized the US commitment to enhancing Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. Republican Representative Pat Harrigan and others also held a roundtable, stating that the Indo-Pacific should not be dominated by a single hegemon. Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks reaffirmed bipartisan support for Taiwan's self-defense.