The lawmakers spoke with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen about the "mutual opportunity to upgrade the stature" of U.S.-Taiwan relations during the meeting, which was not announced ahead of time, according to a statement released by Cruz on Sunday. The leaders discussed arms sales, diplomatic exchanges, and economic relations at the meeting.
Cruz said the Houston congressional delegation received a letter from the Chinese consulate shortly before the meeting asking members of Congress not to meet with the Taiwanese president and to uphold the "one China" policy, which recognizes Taiwan as a part of China. Beijing opposed Tsai’s planned swing through the United States on her way to Central America, saying in December that it would "send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces."
"The People’s Republic of China needs to understand that in America we make decisions about meeting with visitors for ourselves," Cruz said on Sunday. "This is not about the PRC. This is about the U.S. relationship with Taiwan, an ally we are legally bound to defend. The Chinese do not give us veto power over those with whom they meet. We will continue to meet with anyone, including the Taiwanese, as we see fit."