Rep. Tiffany Introduces Resolution Calling for Formal U.S.-Taiwan Diplomatic Ties
On January 25, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (R-WI) led 18 other members of Congress in introducing a resolution (H.Con.Res.10) calling for the United States to abandon its “One-China Policy” and resume formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The resolution also directs Washington to support Taiwan’s membership in international organizations, and to negotiate a bilateral U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement (FTA).
“Taiwan is a free, democratic, and independent country — one that has never been under the control of the People’s Republic of China or part of its territory. Any suggestion to the contrary is simply a lie,” Rep. Tiffany said in a statement.
“The world has undergone dramatic changes since the days of Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, and it’s time that U.S. policy reflected that fact,” Tiffany added.
Washington’s “antiquated” One-China Policy has prevented the U.S. from formally recognizing Taiwan in diplomatic and trade bodies, even though Taiwan is the United States’ tenth-largest trading partner.
It is a situation that Tiffany hopes to rectify.
Tiffany argued that instead of being “put on the same footing … as North Korea and other recalcitrant countries like that,” Taiwan deserved to be recognized for expanding their democracy and being “truly a peace-loving, free country here on planet Earth.”
The idea is not new to Tiffany, who brought forward similar resolutions in 2020 and 2021. What is new, he said, is the support that the resolution is receiving.
“A couple years ago, it was me alone,” Tiffany said. “This year we’re going to have 18 original co-sponsors.”
“There are more and more people in Congress that are understanding how important Taiwan is, and how important it is that we recognize Taiwan, and that we trade with Taiwan,” he added.
In all, Tiffany’s resolution aims to rectify what it considers an out-of-date set of foreign policies, which no longer reflect either Taiwan’s or China’s place in the world, or their relationships with the United States.
“The [U.S.] President should abandon the antiquated ‘One China Policy’ in favor of a policy that recognizes the objective reality that Taiwan is an independent country not governed by or included within the territory of the People’s Republic of China,” the resolution states.
References:
[1] Rep. Tom Tiffany’s Office: https://tiffany.house.gov/media/press-releases/tiffany-perry-reintroduce-resolution-end-one-china-policy-expand-diplomatic
[2] Epoch Times: https://www.theepochtimes.com/exclusive-rep-tiffany-to-introduce-resolution-calling-for-us-to-recognize-taiwan-independence_5009282.html
[3] Focus Taiwan: https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202301260007
Rep. Kim Leads Bill Supporting Taiwan’s IMF Membership
On January 26, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (R-CA) introduced the “Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act” (H.R.540) with Rep. Al Green (D-TX) calling on the U.S. to support Taiwan’s admission into the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a member.
The bill also calls for Taiwan’s participation in the IMF’s regular surveillance activities relating to Taiwan’s economic and financial policies, employment opportunities at the IMF for Taiwan nationals, and the provision of IMF technical assistance and training to Taiwan.
The IMF is a global organization of approximately 180 member countries set up to promote the health of the world economy.
“As the 21st largest economy in the world and the 10th largest goods trading partner of the United States, Taiwan deserves a seat at the IMF,” Kim said in a statement.
“For far too long, Taiwan’s freedoms have been suppressed and voice has been silenced by the Chinese Communist Party. The Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act helps right this wrong and ensure Taiwan’s voice is heard in international financial decisions,” she said.
Kim said she and Rep. Green will fight to get the bill passed. “I will always be a loud voice in Congress for our freedom-loving allies,” she added.
Green said that the bill requires the U.S. Governor of the IMF to use the voice and vote of the United States to urge Taiwan’s participation and membership in the IMF.
“As a leading world economy, Taiwan’s experience in promoting sound economic policies can be instrumental in helping the IMF achieve its mission. Thus, it deserves a seat at the table,” he said.
“My hope is that this bill will help steer it toward that direction,” Green added.
