Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Just as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived
in Taiwan, defying China's threat of serious consequences, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) said he fully supports the trip.
"Taiwan has been a self-governing democracy since it's civil war split with China in 1949. This is China induced drama and paranoia," said Higgins of China's threats.
Pelosi is the highest ranking American official to visit the island in 25 years. In 1996, then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich visited Taiwan.
The Speaker's visit has triggered increased tension between China and the United States.
"China just doesn't like it when the United States recognizes
Taiwanese democracy and independence and it's always met with
Chinese paranoia of provocation," said Higgins.
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"Taiwan is a very important player from a geopolitical position. The country of about 24 million people produces about 92% of high end semi conductors
for the world." Higgins called it a very important trip for Pelosi.
Pelosi is expected to visit a semi conductor plant. She's expected to meet with human rights activists, and with the leadership of Taiwan.
"There's no provocation here," said Higgins. "It's a trip that many members of congress, both Republican and Democrat, have taken. They're not going to bypass an important self governing democracy like Taiwan. It's the responsible thing to do, regardless of what China thinks."
The Buffalo democrat said meeting with world leaders is something that Congress does. "I've been all over the world, to 70 countries. In some situations, you're in hostile territory. That's what fact finding is all about.
This is a textbook congressional trip," he added.