US governor to travel to Taiwan at month's end amid row with China

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will lead his first international trade mission to Taiwan, Japan and South Korea at the end of the month, his office said Tuesday, amid tense relations with China.

Youngkin and his delegation will travel to Tapei, Tokyo and Seoul from April 24 - 29, it said in a statement.

"There, Governor Youngkin will meet with the President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen, government officials, strategic business associations, company executives and global industry leaders to further strengthen Virginia’s economic and cultural connections," it added.

The governor said Taiwan, Japan and South Korea represent critical markets that will advance economic growth and prosperity in the US state.

"In strengthening these relationships, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to our allies but also strengthening the spirit of Virginia and America," he said.

The visit will come amid backlash from China regarding Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's talks in the US and upcoming meeting Wednesday with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Beijing warned McCarthy about the meeting and said it would not help regional peace and stability.