The reported trip comes as Washington and Beijing work to defuse escalating tensions

A leading US Republican senator is set to head a congressional delegation to Taiwan in August, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the plans.

Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a staunch advocate for Taipei, is expected to reaffirm American support for the island amid signs that the administration of US President Donald Trump is adopting a more conciliatory approach toward Beijing, the outlet said.

US congressional visits to Taiwan occur several times a year and routinely draw sharp reactions from China. The latest visit will follow Washington's decision this month to block Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te from transiting through New York on his way to Central America, reportedly after objections from Beijing. Earlier, a planned visit by Taiwan's defense minister to Washington was also canceled to avoid provoking Beijing, according to reports.

While past US administrations have avoided endorsing formal Taiwanese independence, Taipei fears Trump could go further and explicitly oppose it, as Beijing has urged. Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory under the One-China principle, recently pressed Washington to clarify its stance. Earlier this year, it criticized the US State Department for removing the phrase "we do not support Taiwan independence" from an official fact sheet.

The developments come as the US and China conduct talks to ease trade tensions, with a third round of negotiations held this week in Stockholm.

Despite these efforts, Washington - which officially adheres to the One-China policy - has continued to supply arms to Taiwan and engage in military cooperation with the government in Taipei.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration backed increased US military aid to the island, urging Congress to double proposed funding to $1 billion. The White House budget office said it welcomed the $500 million allocated for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative but called for more to boost Taiwan's military.

Taiwan has been self-ruled since 1949, when nationalist forces retreated there after losing the Chinese Civil War. Although few countries formally recognize the island, most of the international community, including Russia, abides by Beijing's One-China policy.

(RT.com)