House Passes Taiwan International Solidarity Act and Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, Strengthening U.S.-Taiwan Ties
On May 5, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed two key bipartisan bills by voice vote — the Taiwan International Solidarity Act and the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act — to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. Supported by the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), these legislative measures aim to counter China’s false sovereignty claims over Taiwan and eliminate outdated U.S. self-imposed restrictions on exchanges with Taiwan.
The first bill, the Taiwan International Solidarity Act (H.R.2416), pushes back against China’s distortion and weaponization of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, along with its growing efforts to exclude Taiwan from international organizations.
The bill clarifies that UNGA Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, “did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the United Nations or any related organizations, nor did the resolution . . . include any statement pertaining to Taiwan’s sovereignty.”
It further reaffirms that the United States “opposes any initiative that seeks to change Taiwan’s status without the consent of the [Taiwanese] people,” and encourages the U.S. to work with allies and partners to oppose China’s attempts to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and unofficial partnerships around the world.
The second bill, the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act (H.R.1512), requires the U.S. Department of State to regularly review and update its guidelines for engagement with Taiwan and Taiwanese officials.
Under the bill, the State Department must submit updated reports to Congress at least once every two years, explaining how the guidelines strengthen and expand U.S.-Taiwan relations and identifying opportunities and plans to lift any remaining self-imposed restrictions on U.S.-Taiwan engagement.
FAPA has worked closely with the bills’ introducers — Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Young Kim (R-CA), and Ted Lieu (D-CA) — to advance the legislation.
“These bills take concrete steps toward modernizing U.S.-Taiwan relations and defending Taiwan’s rightful place in the international community,” FAPA National President Dr. Su-Mei Kao said in a public statement. “They push back against China’s efforts to distort international decisions such as the UNGA Resolution 2758 in its attempts to marginalize Taiwan.”
The legislation comes as China continues to escalate its military and diplomatic aggression toward Taiwan. During floor debate, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) remarked: “Taiwan is not just a partner. It is a frontline for democracy. And how we treat our friends in times of pressure defines our credibility around the globe.”
Dr. Kao concluded: “The House’s passage of these two bills reaffirms the U.S. commitment to support Taiwan’s democracy. We commend the House for its bipartisan leadership and urge the Senate to act swiftly.”
Sources:
[1] Rep. Gerry Connolly’s Office
[2] Rep. Ann Wagner’s Office
[3] Taipei Times
[4] FAPA
Senators Merkley and Curtis Reintroduce Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act
On May 5, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Curtis (R-UT) reintroduced the bipartisan Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act (S.1588), reaffirming U.S. policy to support Taiwan’s democracy and international engagement.
Previously introduced by then-Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) in 2020, 2021, and 2023, the bill returns as Taiwan faces increasing aggression and pressure from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The legislation prohibits any U.S. government department or agency from recognizing the PRC’s claims to sovereignty over Taiwan without the explicit assent of the people of Taiwan, as expressed through the democratic process.
If enacted, the bill would elevate the title of the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) to “Representative,” with the appointment subject to Senate confirmation, consistent with the requirements for all U.S. ambassadors.
More broadly, the legislation directs the U.S. government to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, advance negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), and invite Taiwanese officials to participate in high-level multilateral and bilateral summits, military exercises, and economic dialogues.
“The United States must use all the tools at our disposal to strengthen our relationship with Taiwan, one of East Asia’s most vibrant democracies,” said Senator Merkley in a joint statement.
Senator Curtis added, “The Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act will deepen our relationship with Taiwan by elevating the status of our top diplomat, incentivizing high-level cooperation and visits between our governments, and combating Chinese Communist Party disinformation campaigns targeting Taiwan.”
Sources:
[1] Sen. Jeff Merkley’s Office
[2] Focus Taiwan
[3] Taipei Times
Taiwan, U.S. Hold First In-Person Meeting on Tariff Issues
Taiwan and the United States held their first in-person meeting on tariff issues on May 1 (U.S. time), according to a May 3 statement from Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations.
The statement announced that a Taiwanese delegation — led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and top trade negotiator Yang Jen-ni — met with U.S. officials in Washington, D.C. to discuss tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and broader bilateral trade issues.
According to the office, the talks were conducted in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to strengthen economic cooperation, promote mutual benefits, and create new business opportunities.
This in-person meeting followed an initial round of virtual talks held on April 11.
In the statement, Vice Premier Cheng highlighted the complementary nature of the U.S. and Taiwanese economies, stating that closer cooperation would strengthen their respective industries and enhance global competitiveness. She expressed confidence that constructive dialogue would lead to a consensus on trade issues.
Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wang Ting-yu, who was part of a Taiwanese legislative delegation visiting Washington, noted that Taiwan is among the first four countries the U.S. plans to engage in tariff negotiations — alongside Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Wang added that U.S. officials assured the delegation that Taiwan would not be used as a bargaining chip in talks with other countries, affirming that “Taiwan is irreplaceable.”
Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang of the Kuomintang (KMT), who led the delegation, conveyed to U.S. officials that Taiwan hopes its purchases of American arms could be counted as part of overall bilateral trade, helping to address the trade imbalance.