TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Representative Andy Ogles called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to allow State Department officials to attend Taiwan’s National Day (Double Ten Day) reception. 

The event is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Taiwan’s Twin Oaks Estate in Washington, D.C.

In a recent letter, Ogles said that strengthening relationships with friendly nations aligns with US interests, CNA reported. He pointed out that China's attempts to influence American policy, including determining who can attend Taiwan’s Double Ten Day events held within the US, should be condemned.

The lawmaker noted that last year, State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kin Moy, attended China’s National Day event in an official capacity despite its continued hostility toward US interests. In contrast, no officials were allowed at the Double Ten Day reception.

Ogles questioned why the US restricts interaction with allies like Taiwan while maintaining official diplomatic engagement with adversaries. He called on Blinken to correct this overly cautious approach by the State Department and highlight Taiwan as one of the US's most important allies and partners.

Ogles was also part of a group of lawmakers who urged Blinken to stopover in Taiwan on his way to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) in Beijing last February.