The latest developments in Washington show that the US Congress continues to strengthen its support for Taiwan. On May 5th Eastern Time, the US House of Representatives passed two bills highly relevant to Taiwan, aimed at removing restrictions on US-Taiwan interactions and helping Taiwan break through international isolation.
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ToggleUpgrading Taiwan Interaction: Reviewing US-Taiwan Restrictions
One of the bills is the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, jointly proposed by Republican Representative Ann Wagner and Democratic Representatives Gerry Connolly and Ted Lieu, which requires the US State Department to regularly review guidelines for interactions with Taiwan.
According to the bill, the US State Department must submit a report to Congress every two years, explaining the current guidelines and identifying any "self-imposed" interaction obstacles, and provide specific plans to gradually remove these restrictions.
The bill was passed by voice vote in the House of Representatives and must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the President to become law.
US-Taiwan Interaction Guidelines: Historical Baggage of Self-Imposed Limits
After the US severed diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1979, Washington established a series of restrictive guidelines to avoid angering the People's Republic of China (PRC).
These restrictions include: US high-level administrative officials (especially military top brass) cannot visit Taiwan; Taiwan's top leaders cannot enter the US; officials cannot meet in official government buildings, and Taiwan officials are asked to avoid wearing uniforms or official badges.
Although former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the abolition of these restrictions in the last month of the Trump administration, the Biden administration has reimplemented some of these restrictive measures.
International Participation Further Enhanced: Taiwan International Solidarity Act Emerges
The other bill is the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, a revised version of the 2019 Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act.
The new bill explicitly states that UN Resolution 2758 from 1971 only addressed China's representation in the UN and did not involve Taiwan or Taiwanese people's representation, thus countering China's "One China Principle" that excludes Taiwan from international organizations.
The bill also expands oversight of China's efforts to obstruct Taiwan's international participation, requiring the US government to provide more detailed reports on how China influences other countries' relationships with Taiwan.
History Repeating? Two Bills Failed to Pass in 2023
It is worth noting that previous versions of these two bills had already passed the House of Representatives in 2023 but were not reviewed by the Senate. With the new Congress taking office on January 3, 2024, the bills had to be reintroduced.
The House of Representatives' passage this time demonstrates the high level of consensus among bipartisan lawmakers on Taiwan-related issues. Next, it depends on the Senate's actions and whether President Biden will sign these bills into law.
US Congress Continues to Support Taiwan, Countering China's Pressure War
These two bills not only highlight Washington's continued support for Taiwan but also convey a political signal of confronting China's suppression. The US Congress's actions will undoubtedly become an important boost for Taiwan in seeking international space and deepening bilateral relations.
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