United States Senator and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker arrived in Taiwan Friday, marking the first visit to Taiwan by the chairperson of this committee since 2016 when the late John McCain visited. Wicker is accompanied by Senator Deb Fischer, who is making the trip for the first time.

Wicker has a record of being staunchly pro-Taiwan. In 2023, he spoke before the Senate about his priorities for the committee, stating that the U.S. must arm Taiwan and accelerate the sale of anti-ship missiles. Wicker also called on then-President Joe Biden to use US$1 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority to support Taiwan. 

The senator has expressed his belief that failure to defend Taiwan would plunge the world into a depression and bring about the end of American hegemony. He went so far as to say that, in addition to helping Taiwan defend itself, the U.S. military must also be prepared to get involved.

Fischer, who currently holds the influential position of Senate Republican Deputy Whip, is also a strong supporter of Taiwan. The two reportedly embarked on a trip through the Indo-Pacific last week, visiting Hawaii, Guam, Tinian, Palau, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Their trip coincides with a particularly sensitive time, as China and Russia are conducting their first joint submarine patrol in the Asia-Pacific and China is holding a military parade next week.

Sources familiar with the matter stated that Wicker and Fischer’s visit demonstrates the deep friendship between the U.S. and Taiwan and underscores Taiwan’s position as a core ally in the Indo-Pacific region.