For Immediate Release
Washington DC – April 20, 2024
Contact: (202) 547-3686

FAPA STATEMENT

FAPA APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF INDOPAC/TAIWAN FUNDING BILL AND CALLS FOR ABOLISHMENT OF “STRATEGIC AMBIGUITY”

In light of passage on April 20 of the IndoPac legislation making emergency appropriations for the Indo Pacific region, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA – a grassroots organization that promotes freedom, human rights and democracy for the people of Taiwan) issued the following statement:

As an organization of Taiwanese Americans we at FAPA care deeply about the welfare, safety and fate of our beloved Taiwan.

Since our establishment in 1982, we have worked closely with both Houses of Congress to (among many other issues) safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence.

We are therefore eternally grateful to the United States for its decades-long commitment to keep Taiwan free in light of China’s ongoing bullying, harassment and aggression, and for confronting China’s unfounded claims over Taiwan.

Additionally, we are thrilled that on April 20, H.R. 8036 that was introduced on April 17 by Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK), Ken Calvert (D-CA) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and which includes provisions to fund a massive influx of military aid to Taiwan, was passed with 385-34 votes.

Once signed by the President, the bill will unlock $1.9 billion to arm Taiwan allowing the Pentagon to rush weapons to the country by drawing down from U.S. stocks. Congress passed $300 million in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan in March as part of the FY24 State Department spending bill. The bill will give Taiwan an additional $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing.

FAPA Executive Director Chiao-yun Anny Hsiao reacts: “Taiwanese Americans wholeheartedly welcome and thank Congress for their willingness to invest in the U.S.’ own capabilities to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. For us it is critical that Taiwan remains free, sovereign and independent.”

Ms. Hsiao adds: “With the 45th anniversary of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act just this past April 10 (which together with President Reagan’s 1982 Six Assurances is the key cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations) it is reassuring to realize that the U.S. stands through thick and thin by its longtime ally Taiwan.”

“It is encouraging as well that every day the U.S. seems to move closer to a policy of “Strategic Clarity.” The U.S.’ decades long policy of “Strategic Ambiguity” has clearly worn out its welcome. There should be zero doubt in the minds of the Chinese leadership that the U.S. is Taiwan’s first and foremost ally and friend, and that the U.S. will come to Taiwan’s defense in case of a Chinese attack and/or blockade.” 

Chiao-yun Anny Hsiao concludes: “The time is now that this old Cold War relic is relegated to the ash heap of history!”