Biden administration to send unofficial delegation to Taiwan after election

What they're saying: "We're focused on stability and status quo and talking via our normal channels of communication with both Beijing and Taipei," a senior administration official told reporters.

• The official emphasized it is longstanding U.S. practice to send unofficial delegations including former senior officials to Taiwan and is consistent with the U.S.' one-China policy.
• The visit is timed after the election to ensure that the U.S. does not appear to be endorsing any candidate or party, the official said.

Details: Three parties will vie for Taiwan’s presidency and control of the legislature on Saturday.

• China's Taiwan Affairs Office on Thursday warned against voting for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate William Lai, whom Beijing views as a "separatist."

The big picture: Democratic governments, including the U.S., view Taiwan as an increasingly important partner amid concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

• Many countries have sent delegations of current and former officials to Taiwan since the country lifted pandemic-era border restrictions in 2022.

Go deeper: China looms large in Taiwan's presidential election