In the midst of the Ukraine invasion, the US delegation expresses its support for Taiwan.
The timing of the former US officials' visit appeared poised to assuage Taipei's fears about its future, with Mullen, a retired admiral who was a top military adviser to former US Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, saying he hoped the visit would "reassure" Taiwan.
While the world's attention is focused on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a delegation of former US officials has expressed support for another democracy under threat from an authoritarian force.
Former defense and security officials, led by ex-Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen, met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday as part of a two-day visit to the self-ruled island, which has expressed support for Ukraine.
"The people of Taiwan have responded with deep empathy to the Ukrainian people's commitment to protecting freedom and democracy, and their fearless dedication to defending their country, as we, too, stand on the front lines of the battle for democracy," Tsai said in remarks before the meeting on Wednesday.
"History reminds us that turning a blind eye to military aggression only exacerbates the dangers we face. The time has arrived for all democracies throughout the world to unite."
Analysts have drawn parallels between Ukraine's authoritarian menace and Taiwan, which is only 200 kilometers (124 miles) from China's southeastern coast. That threat has been realized in Ukraine as a result of unwarranted military action. In the case of Taiwan, China's governing Communist Party desires eventual "reunification" with the island, which it claims as its territory despite never having administered it.
Taiwan's support for Ukraine
'Rock-solid relationship'
"At a time when Taiwan is wondering if it will be Ukraine today or Taiwan tomorrow," he added, "the presence of a senior and bipartisan ex-government delegation is here to demonstrate that the United States' security commitment to Taiwan is indeed different and higher than it is to Ukraine."
Taiwan, unlike Ukraine, plays a different role in geopolitics and global supply networks, according to Sung.
The delegates are also set to meet with Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng in addition to Tsai.
On Tuesday, Beijing slammed the visit, calling it "futile" and urged Washington to "prudently handle Taiwan-related problems" to avoid further deterioration of Sino-US ties.
"The Chinese people's resolve and will to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity are unwavering. It is pointless for the US to send someone to Taiwan to display its ostensible support "In a normal press briefing, spokeswoman Wang Wenbin stated.
Beijing has failed to criticize Russia's attack on Ukraine or to call the country's full-scale assault an "invasion."
Mainland Since the vanquished Nationalists retreated to the island after the Chinese civil war ended more than 70 years ago, China and Taiwan have been governed independently.
When the US recognized Beijing's government in 1979, it ended its formal diplomatic relations with Taipei. However, the US has maintained an unofficial relationship with Taipei, which includes visits from delegations made up of retired officials or lawmakers and is required by law to sell arms to Taiwan for self-defense.
The latest visit comes after the US approved the sale of military equipment and services to Taiwan for an estimated US$100 million last month.