U.S. lawmakers seek closer ties with Taiwan's opposition parties

WASHINGTON -- A U.S. bipartisan congressional delegation will travel to Taiwan to strengthen relationships with opposition party leaders, as well as the president-elect, a prominent House member said, as Washington pledges to deter China from unifying the island unilaterally.

Rep. Ami Bera, top Democrat in the House subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, will join a group of lawmakers on a trip to Taipei soon. It is expected to be the first congressional delegation since Lai Ching-te, a candidate of ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), won the presidential election on Jan. 13.