24 U.S. Lawmakers, Led by Rep. Tom Tiffany, Introduce Resolution to End “One China Policy” and Restore Diplomatic Ties with Taiwan
On February 6, U.S. Representatives Tom Tiffany (R-WI) and Scott Perry (R-PA) led 22 members of Congress in reintroducing a concurrent resolution (H.Con.Res.8) urging the U.S. government to resume formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and abolish its “One China Policy.” The resolution also advocates for U.S. support of Taiwan’s membership in international organizations and the negotiation of a bilateral U.S.-Taiwan Free Trade Agreement.
“[Taiwan] is a free, democratic, and independent nation, and it is past time for U.S. policy to reflect this undeniable objective truth,” said Congressman Tiffany in a press release, calling the “One China” policy “outdated, counter-productive, and dishonest.”
The resolution states that the “so-called ‘One China Policy’ is obsolete, does not serve the people of Taiwan or the United States, and fails to reflect the obvious reality that Taiwan has been a sovereign and independent country for over 70 years.”
It calls on U.S. President Donald Trump to “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 also urges the President to normalize diplomatic relations with Taiwan and rescind arbitrary agency guidelines that restrict normal communication and interaction between U.S. and Taiwanese officials.
Additionally, it calls for U.S. recognition of the legitimacy of Taiwan’s democratically elected National Government, the appointment of an official U.S. ambassador to Taiwan, and the acceptance of a Taiwanese ambassador to the United States.
Furthermore, the resolution urges U.S. officials to advocate for Taiwan’s full membership in the United Nations and other international organizations. It also calls on the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with Taiwan.
The resolution cites past U.S. legislation and statements ― such as the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, then-President Ronald Reagan’s Six Assurances of 1982, and the Taiwan Travel Act of 2018 ― as well as U.S. arms sales, to demonstrate that Taiwan is a steadfast ally of the United States.
As a concurrent resolution, if passed by both the U.S. House and Senate, it would express Congress’s position on the issue but would not require the President’s approval or carry the force of law.
References:
[1] Focus Taiwan
[2] Taipei Times
Rep. Young Kim Leads Bill Advocating Taiwan’s IMF Membership
On February 4, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (R-CA) and Al Green (D-TX) reintroduced the bipartisan “Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act” (H.R.910) urging the United States to support Taiwan’s admission into the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a member.
The bill also advocates for Taiwan’s participation in the IMF’s regular surveillance activities, employment opportunities at the IMF for Taiwan nationals, and access to IMF technical assistance and training.
“Taiwan deserves a seat at the IMF,” Congresswoman Young Kim said in a press release on February 4, emphasizing that Taiwan is “the 21st largest economy in the world and 10th largest goods trading partner of the United States.”
“We cannot allow the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] to silence Taiwan’s voice and suppress Taiwan’s freedoms any longer,” Kim added, condemning China’s increasing efforts to exclude Taiwan from international organizations.
Congressman Al Green echoed this sentiment, stating, “Taiwan was once a member of the IMF, and I strongly believe it deserves to rejoin this vital organization.” “As one of the most dynamic economies in the world, Taiwan’s participation would benefit all members of the IMF,” Green added.
Despite losing its seat at the United Nations in 1971, Taiwan remained an IMF member until 1980. Even after its membership ended, the 16 Taiwanese nationals employed by the IMF were allowed to continue working there.
The IMF, which has 191 member states, promotes global financial stability and economic growth by providing financial assistance, policy advice, and economic surveillance to its members.
References:
[1] Focus Taiwan
[2] Taipei Times
Taiwan to Establish First U.S. Investment and Trade Center in Texas
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced on February 3 that Taiwan plans to establish investment and trade centers in the United States, starting with Texas as the first location. These centers will serve as a bridge between Taiwanese companies and U.S. state governments, providing necessary assistance for business operations and investment opportunities.
The MOEA’s pledge followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders on February 1 to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico (with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products) and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China, set to take effect on February 4.
However, following talks with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, Trump agreed on February 3 to postpone the broad new tariffs on both countries by one month, while the tariffs on China took effect as scheduled on February 4.
If implemented, Trump’s new tariffs are expected to affect more than 300 Taiwanese firms with production lines in Mexico, including Taiwan-based manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry and fellow contract electronics makers Pegatron Corp., Wistron Corp., and Quanta Computer Inc.
An MOEA official said that priority for selecting locations for these investment and trade centers will be given to U.S. states that have signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Taiwan for investment cooperation.
According to the MOEA, these centers will assist Taiwanese investors in identifying potential American partners and facilitating collaboration as they relocate production within the global supply chain to the U.S. market, particularly from countries impacted by Trump’s massive tariffs.
