The United States assured that it “stands firm behind its commitments” to Taiwan in the backdrop of Russia’s aggression in Eastern Europe, as Washington sent its former senior defense and national security officials to the island early this week. The five-member delegation met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on March 2, after arriving in Taipei the day before. The surprise two-day trip came as a sign of a beefed-up bilateral partnership amid looming threats from authoritarian powers such as Russia and China. “I do hope by being here with you, we can reassure you and your people, as well as our allies and partners in the region, that the United States stands firm behind its commitments,” said former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen at the Presidential Office. Referring to the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mullen said continued peace and stability of the world have never been more important. “We …