The U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs expressed their deep condolences on Thursday, pledging full support for Taiwan in the wake of the powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck off the east coast of Hualien. Taiwan's strongest quake in 25 years, the quake released energy equivalent to 32 atomic bombs.
Members Gerry Connolly, Mario Diaz-Balart, Ami Bera, and Andy Barr issued a statement praising the quick response of Taiwanese authorities and the resilience of Taiwanese people. They said they stand with Taiwan and will provide full support in continuing search and rescue efforts.
The Congressional Taiwan Caucus is the largest and most active congressional member organization on foreign affairs in the U.S. Congress. In January, Diaz-Balart and Bera led a delegation to Taiwan, marking the first joint visit by the caucus co-chairs in recent years.