On May 18, 2026, the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened in Geneva, Switzerland, marking the 10th consecutive year that Taiwan has been excluded from the World Health Organization (WHO) decision-making body due to aggressive diplomatic pressure from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
 
Beijing falsely claims that Taiwan’s participation requires its approval, and continues to weaponize and distort United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 (1971) and WHA Resolution 25.1 (1972) to justify blocking Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In fact, the two resolutions do not mention Taiwan, nor do they determine Taiwan’s sovereignty or authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan and its people.
 
Taiwan’s WHA Bid and Growing International Support
 
Taiwan remained visible in Geneva despite its exclusion from the WHA, as Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Health Minister Shih Chung-liang led high-profile side events to showcase Taiwan’s smart healthcare capabilities, medical innovation, and contributions to global health resilience. Minister Shih emphasized that health is a fundamental human right that must never be subject to political conditions, warning that Taiwan’s exclusion creates unnecessary gaps in global health preparedness and response.
 
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s WHA bid has garnered broad and growing international support despite continued PRC obstruction. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the executive and legislative bodies of more than 50 nations have expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA and other international organizations.
 
Eleven of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies submitted a formal proposal to the WHO Secretariat calling for Taiwan to be invited as a WHA observer. Separately, on May 21, the representative offices of nine like-minded countries in Taiwan — the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand, Lithuania, and Poland — issued a joint statement firmly supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the WHO and its inclusion as a WHA observer.

Taiwan International Solidarity Act

As the PRC continues to misuse and mischaracterize UNGA Resolution 2758 to isolate Taiwan, U.S. lawmakers have pushed forward the bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act (H.R.2416 / S.2224), which seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. The House version passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in May 2025, while the Senate companion bill was reported out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee without amendment in October 2025.
 
The bill clarifies that UNGA Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, established the PRC government’s representatives as the only lawful representatives of China to the United Nations, but “did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the United Nations system or any related organizations.” Moreover, it did not take a position on the relationship between the PRC and Taiwan, nor did it contain any statement on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
 
Furthermore, the legislation directs the United States to work with global allies and partners to resist Beijing’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and international partnerships. It also states that the “United States opposes any initiative that seeks to change Taiwan’s status without the consent of the people of Taiwan.”
 
FAPA’s Call to Action
 
It is deeply disappointing that UNGA Resolution 2758 remains widely exploited by the PRC to “justify” its fictitious “One China principle,” which aims to suffocate Taiwan’s sovereign status and international space in order to eventually annex Taiwan, even by force.
 
To push back against Beijing’s deliberate distortion of UNGA Resolution 2758 and its broader campaign to erase Taiwan’s international identity, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) urges the U.S. Senate to swiftly pass the Taiwan International Solidarity Act (S.2224).
 
FAPA calls on U.S. lawmakers to stand firmly with democratic Taiwan, defend Taiwan’s sovereign right to international participation, and support Taiwan’s full membership in the UN, WHO, and other international organizations where Taiwan’s expertise and contributions are urgently needed.
 
Sources:
[1] Taipei Times   [2] Focus Taiwan   [3] Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)   [4] Taipei Times   [5] MOFA   [6] Taipei Times   [7] British Office Taipei   [8] H.R.2416 / S.2224 (Taiwan International Solidarity Act)

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On May 14, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for a high-stakes summit. While Xi aggressively warned that “mishandling” Taiwan could push China and the U.S. into “clashes and even conflicts,” the White House’s subsequent decision to omit Taiwan entirely from its official readout of the talks strongly signals that Washington does not view Taiwan’s security as open to negotiation.
 
During an interview after the summit, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that “U.S. policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged” and warned that “anything that would compel or force a change in what we have now [across the Taiwan Strait] would be problematic.” He added that it would be a terrible mistake for China to pursue annexation by force or through any coercive means, reaffirming steadfast U.S. opposition to any unilateral attempt by China to alter the cross-Strait status quo by force.
 
The summit took place as a $14 billion Taiwan arms package remained stalled by the executive branch, with President Donald Trump saying he had not yet made a final decision and indicating that he would decide after further consultations, including with Taiwan’s leadership. The package includes counter-drone assets, an integrated battle command system, and medium-range munitions, which are essential for bolstering Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
 
Taiwan’s Security Is Not a Bargaining Chip
 
The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) strongly emphasized that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan should never be tied to negotiations with Beijing. In a May 14 statement, FAPA National President Dr. Su-Mei Kao said such arms sales should solely reflect Taiwan’s self-defense needs and the long-standing U.S. commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and the Six Assurances to Taiwan.
 
She added that Taiwan’s defense requirements “must never be treated as a bargaining chip” in broader U.S.-China negotiations. Under the Six Assurances, the U.S. is pledged not to consult Beijing prior to arms sales to Taiwan. First articulated under the Reagan administration in 1982, the Six Assurances have remained a cornerstone of U.S. policy for over four decades, alongside the TRA, ensuring that Taiwan’s security remains independent of Beijing’s influence or pressure.
 
Strong Congressional Support for Arms Sales to Taiwan
 
Bipartisan lawmakers in both chambers have actively pressed the administration to move forward with the stalled release of the $14 billion arms package for Taiwan.
 
In a bipartisan letter sent on May 8 ahead of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and their colleagues urged President Trump to “formally notify the $14 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan that Congress pre-approved” and stressed that “American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation.”
 
This momentum was further reinforced by Representative Jill Tokuda’s (D-HI) May 12 introduction of H.Res.1278 alongside a bipartisan coalition of 22 original cosponsors. The resolution reaffirms the TRA and the Six Assurances as cornerstones of U.S. policy regarding Taiwan, while reiterating unwavering support for Taiwan’s self-defense and resolute opposition to any unilateral efforts to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means.
 
FAPA’s Call to Action
 
“Those commitments must now be backed by concrete action,” FAPA National President Dr. Kao emphasized. FAPA is calling on the Trump administration to approve the pending $14 billion arms package to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities and strengthen deterrence against Beijing’s growing aggression.
 
FAPA also urges Congress to swiftly pass the Six Assurances to Taiwan Act (H.R.3452 / S.3208) and the PORCUPINE Act (H.R.7146 / S.1744) to institutionalize U.S. commitments to Taiwan and ensure they remain clear, strong, and credible, regardless of shifting diplomatic dynamics.
 
Sources:
[1] Taipei Times   [2] Focus Taiwan   [3] NBC News (Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Interview)   [4] Taipei Times   [5] Taipei Times   [6] Focus Taiwan   [7] Senate Foreign Relations Committee   [8] FAPA   [9] H.Res.1278 (Resolution Reaffirming Congressional Support for Taiwan)   [10] H.R.3452 & S.3208 (Six Assurances to Taiwan Act)   [11] H.R.7146 & S.1744 (PORCUPINE Act)

PORCUPINE Act Advanced by House Foreign Affairs Committee

On May 13, 2026, the House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced the PORCUPINE Act (H.R.7146) through a unanimous 45-0 vote, signaling robust bipartisan support to expedite U.S. weapons deliveries to Taiwan. The House version was originally introduced by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and co-led by Reps. Don Davis (D-NC), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA).
 
Earlier in the markup, the committee voted 31-14 to replace the similar Taiwan PLUS Act with the PORCUPINE Act as the main legislative vehicle. The bill’s Senate companion (S.1744) had previously passed the Senate by unanimous consent in December 2025.
 
Why the Bill Matters

This critical legislation streamlines U.S. arms sales to Taiwan by reducing the congressional notification and review periods to as short as 15 days and effectively granting Taiwan “NATO Plus” treatment under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), thereby accelerating the delivery of vital defense transfers.

Significantly, the bill amends the AECA to place Taiwan on par with the closest U.S. security allies, such as Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, for specified arms-transfer procedures. Additionally, it seeks to establish an expedited decision-making process for third-party transfers of U.S.-origin defense articles and services from NATO and other NATO-Plus allies to Taiwan.
 
By cutting through bureaucratic red tape and directly addressing Taiwan’s critical arms sales backlog, the bill strengthens Taiwan’s asymmetric “porcupine strategy” to bolster its self-defense and maintain robust cross-Strait deterrence.
 
FAPA’s Petition

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) has long advocated for elevating Taiwan to “NATO Plus” status to strengthen the U.S.–Taiwan security partnership. Since FAPA launched its petition on January 29, 2026, in support of the House version of the PORCUPINE Act, this grassroots advocacy has successfully mobilized broader congressional backing, securing at least 20 additional bipartisan cosponsors and propelling the legislation forward.
 
Sources:
[1] H.R.7146 & S.1744 (PORCUPINE Act)   [2] Breaking Defense   [3] FAPA   [4] Taiwan Security Monitor (TSM)   [5] FAPA

Bipartisan House Resolution Introduced to Celebrate Taiwanese American Heritage Week

On May 13, 2026, U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution (H.Res.1280) supporting the designation of May 10–16, 2026, as Taiwanese American Heritage Week (TAHW).
 
The resolution is co-led by Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Young Kim (R-CA), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ). Its additional cosponsors include Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), and Dave Min (D-CA).
 
The resolution celebrates Taiwanese American heritage by:

• recognizing the contributions of more than 700,000 Taiwanese Americans;
• highlighting their leadership in business, science, public service, the Armed Forces, and human rights advocacy;
• affirming strong U.S.–Taiwan people-to-people ties and shared democratic values;
• recognizing Taiwan’s role as a key U.S. economic and technological partner; and
• marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act as a cornerstone of U.S.–Taiwan relations.

What is Taiwanese American Heritage Week?

First observed in 1999, TAHW is celebrated annually in May during the week beginning on Mother’s Day to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Taiwanese Americans.

From the beginning, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) and its 44 chapters nationwide have worked alongside elected officials at every level of government to secure proclamations and letters of recognition, building one of the most prolific and sustained civic advocacy campaigns in the Taiwanese American community.

FAPA’s Longstanding Advocacy

Congressman Bera’s resolution is the first House resolution recognizing Taiwanese American Heritage Week since 2010. FAPA was honored to provide draft language for the resolution and to work with Rep. Bera’s office to advance this important recognition.

In an earlier May 10 statement, FAPA National President Dr. Su-Mei Kao (林素梅) stated: “By sharing our heritage, honoring our stories, and recognizing these contributions, Taiwanese Americans continue to serve as a vital bridge that strengthens the enduring bond between the United States and Taiwan.”

FAPA’s 2026 TAHW campaign has reached a record-breaking milestone. According to FAPA’s latest internal tally, at least 100 elected officials at various levels of government have issued proclamations or recognitions of TAHW, including 28 governors — the highest number in the campaign’s 27-year history.

Sources:

[1] Office of Rep. Ami Bera   [2] H.Res.1280 (A Resolution Recognizing TAHW)   [3] FAPA

Taiwanese Drone Firms Champion “Non-Red” Supply Chains at Premier International Exhibition

More than 20 Taiwanese companies and institutions, including the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) and leading drone producer Thunder Tiger, showcased Taiwan’s growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industries at XPONENTIAL 2026, the world’s largest unmanned systems exhibition held in Detroit from May 11 to 14, 2026.
 
At the same event, Taiwan’s Drone Diplomacy Task Force signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the U.S.-based Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) to promote talent exchanges and international certification. AUVSI CEO Michael Robbins noted that Taiwan is AUVSI’s first choice for expanding its Green UAS certification due to its resilient “non-Red” supply chain and technical strengths in the UAV sector.
 
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) reported that exports of complete drones reached a record US$115.85 million in the first quarter of 2026, already surpassing the 2025 full-year total of US$93.42 million. The United States was Taiwan’s third-largest drone export destination by value, while its top two export destinations — the Czech Republic and Poland — are close U.S. partners and NATO allies in Central and Eastern Europe.
 
Why it Matters
 
The Taiwanese drone industry delegation highlighted Taiwan’s pivotal role in building “non-Red” drone supply chains that can provide the United States and its allies with resilient, PRC-free UAV systems and components.
 
As Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the transformative importance of drones in modern warfare, the administration of President Lai Ching-te has prioritized the development of Taiwan’s domestic drone industry to bolster the nation’s asymmetric defense capabilities and deter a potential invasion by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
 
Related Bill
 
In the U.S. Congress, lawmakers have consistently advanced legislation to reinforce the U.S.-Taiwan strategic partnership and bolster Taiwan’s indigenous drone production. On March 26, 2026, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan “Blue Skies for Taiwan Act” (S.4259), with Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) joining as a cosponsor of the legislation.
 
The bill promotes the development of resilient unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in Taiwan that are free from PRC influence and China-linked supply-chain risks. It also directly seeks to establish “public-private partnerships between the United States and Taiwan for co-development and co-production of UAS systems and components,” strengthening both Taiwan’s defense and U.S. national security.
 
Implications
 
Taiwan’s growing UAS/UAV industry positions the nation as a reliable partner in both global defense production and democratic supply-chain resilience, offering secure, PRC-free drone systems and components to the United States and its allies.
 
However, the opposition-controlled Legislative Yuan’s exclusion of key funding for domestic drone manufacturing and defense autonomy from Taiwan’s recently passed NT$780 billion (US$24.8 billion) special defense budget highlights a concerning gap between Taiwan’s sovereign ambitions and the resources needed to scale production. This domestic funding shortfall makes continued U.S. congressional support for U.S.-Taiwan drone cooperation and resilient, “non-Red” supply chains even more critical to ensuring robust, long-term deterrence.

Sources:
[1] Focus Taiwan   [2] Taipei Times   [3] Taipei Times   [4] Focus Taiwan   [5] S.4259 (Blue Skies for Taiwan Act)   [6] FAPA

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On May 8, 2026, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed a NT$780 billion (US$24.8 billion), eight-year supplementary defense budget covering the period through 2033. The vote ended months of legislative deadlock over President Lai Ching-te’s original NT$1.25 trillion (approximately US$40 billion) comprehensive defense package.
 
Backed by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), the final bill reduced the proposed funding by nearly 40%, prioritizing select U.S. arms procurement while deliberately excluding critical domestic defense initiatives that could have been passed concurrently.
 
Criticizing the Taiwan opposition’s boycott of these critical domestic defense initiatives, the U.S. Department of State warned that any “further delays in funding the remaining proposed capabilities” would represent a “concession” to China.
 
Budget Breakdown
 
The final bill allocates funding across two main tracks:

• NT$300 billion for arms sales already approved by the U.S. as of December 2025, including High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, TOW 2B missiles, Altius-700M and 600 drones, and Javelin anti-armor missiles.

• The remaining NT$480 billion is reserved for anticipated future U.S. arms packages, covering categories such as integrated counter-drone systems; medium- and low-altitude air defense systems; anti-ballistic and air defense missiles; and wartime anti-armor missile stockpile replenishment. The expected package could reportedly cost about US$14 billion and include PAC-3 MSE interceptors and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), among other systems.

The Crucial Gaps That Remain
 
However, analysts warned that by rejecting the Cabinet’s comprehensive US$40 billion version, the opposition coalition left out key elements of Taiwan’s broader defense transformation plan, including funding for:

• Expanded local drone production and unmanned surface vessels (USVs);

• U.S.-Taiwan joint R&D, C5ISR upgrades, and “non-red” supply-chain development; and

• Defense autonomy programs such as the “T-Dome” (Taiwan Shield) integrated air defense concept.

 
In a May 8 statement, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John Curtis (R-UT) noted the unfinished work ahead, stating they “look forward to additional steps by Taiwan’s leaders to further strengthen investments in asymmetric capabilities and domestic defense production, which remain essential to long-term deterrence.”

What Comes Next
 
The passage of the reduced budget, to some extent, underscores Taiwan’s commitment to U.S. arms procurement for self-defense. However, the final approved funding is significantly narrower than the Executive Yuan’s original proposal, creating key defense gaps that disregard the public sentiment expressed in recent polls. These surveys show broad public support for stronger defense spending and resolve, including over 60% support for the government’s original defense budget,53.9% support for raising defense spending to 3% of GDP, and 58.7% of respondents expressing a willingness to fight even without U.S. intervention.
 
Against this backdrop, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) urges that Taiwan’s opposition-controlled Legislative Yuan swiftly pass the remaining defense funding needed to close gaps in domestic defense production, unmanned systems, defense autonomy, and long-term combat sustainment.

Sources:
[1] Focus Taiwan   [2] Taipei Times   [3] Taipei Times   [4] Taipei Times   [5] Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen’s Press)   [6] Taipei Times

Senate Resolution Signals Bipartisan Resolve Against Chinese Threats Before High-Stakes Summit

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), East Asia Subcommittee Ranking Member Chris Coons (D-DE), and Subcommittee Chairman Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a bipartisan resolution affirming serious concern over the growing threats posed by China to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. Introduced on April 30, 2026, ahead of the May 14–15 U.S.-China summit in Beijing, the resolution (S.Res.716) expresses a significant bipartisan warning at a pivotal moment for U.S.-China relations.
 
Sen. Coons sponsored the resolution alongside 15 other senators from key committees, including Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Homeland Security, Finance, and Appropriations. The resolution calls for a sustained U.S. focus on strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, protecting American workers and businesses from unfair economic practices, maintaining U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, and supporting allies and partners.
 
Most critically, it reaffirms the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait — guided by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances — while advancing human rights and democratic values as core elements of U.S. policy toward China.
 
Why It Matters
 
In the run-up to the U.S.-China summit, Coons warned that the U.S. Senate is sending a clear message: “Remember who Xi Jinping and the PRC are.” He added that the United States must stand firm with allies and partners and use “every tool” of government to counter Beijing’s aggressive practices.
 
The resolution explicitly highlights China’s coercive efforts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, including by delaying or denying third-party involvement in a potential Taiwan Strait contingency. It also notes Beijing’s use of influence to obstruct Taiwan’s participation in global forums.
 
Ricketts added that “Communist China is the greatest threat to the American way of life,” stressing the urgent need for deterrence and for the United States to stand with partners and allies threatened by Beijing’s aggression.
 
Looking Forward
 
Trump is scheduled to visit China on May 14–15 for a summit with Xi Jinping, their first meeting since they met in Busan, South Korea, in October 2025. While there remains a high degree of uncertainty over the summit’s agenda and potential outcomes, likely points of discussion include trade imbalances, high-end semiconductors, rare earths, the ongoing Iran war, and Taiwan — underscoring the wide range of security and economic tensions shaping U.S.-China relations.
 
Sources:
[1] Senate Foreign Relations Committee   [2] Taipei Times   [3] S.Res.716 (Bipartisan Resolution Addressing Chinese Threats)   [4] Focus Taiwan   [5] Reuters  

Zambia Cancels World’s Largest Human Rights Summit Following Chinese Pressure to Exclude Taiwanese Activists

On May 1, 2026, Access Now, the organizer of RightsCon 2026 — the world’s largest human rights and technology summit — confirmed that the conference would not proceed in Zambia or online. This follows the Zambian government’s unilateral decision to “postpone” the event just days before it was scheduled to begin in Lusaka.
 
The decision was made after the Zambian government capitulated to blatant pressure from diplomats of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to exclude Taiwanese civil society participants from the event and censor discussions deemed unfavorable to Beijing. Access Now rejected these demands as “a clear red line,” refusing to compromise the summit’s core values of inclusion and freedom of expression.
 
Why It Matters
 
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is a stark illustration of the PRC’s transnational repression and diplomatic coercion. Through these tactics, Beijing uses its vast economic and political influence to pressure sovereign countries like Zambia into marginalizing Taiwan and silencing international dissent in both physical and digital spaces.
 
U.S. House Select Committee on the CCP Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) recently highlighted China’s extensive political and financial influence in Zambia in a report titled “China’s Minerals Mafia.” As the report explains, by leveraging Zambia’s heavy dependence on Belt and Road Initiative investments and Chinese-owned infrastructure, Beijing has successfully pressured the Zambian government to restrict fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression.
 
Implications
 
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 represents a significant setback for global civil society and is a chilling example of how authoritarian regimes exploit economic coercion to silence human rights advocates and stifle discourse on issues such as digital surveillance and transnational repression.
 
The forced cancellation of the summit — which stands in stark contrast to the successfully held RightsCon 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan — underscores the growing threat to the integrity of neutral international platforms and the safety of the participants they host.
 
Ultimately, the incident has raised broader concerns about the expanding reach of Chinese diplomatic coercion, demonstrating how economic and political influence is being weaponized not only to restrict civic space, but also to systematically erode fundamental human rights and democratic norms globally.

Sources:
[1] RightsCon   [2] Human Rights Watch   [3] Focus Taiwan   [4] House Select Committee on the CCP   [5] Taipei Times

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The Taiwan “Honest Maps” provision, long championed by Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), was included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act (later reported as H.R.8595), which the House Appropriations Committee approved on April 28, 2026.

This provision mandates that: “None of the funds made available by the Act should be used to create, procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the territory and social and economic system of Taiwan and the islands or the island groups administered by Taiwan authorities.”
 
“Honest Maps” Measures

The “Honest Maps” effort began at least in 2021, when Rep. Tom Tiffany and several House colleagues successfully advanced an amendment to the FY2022 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Appropriations Act to prohibit the use of funds for maps inaccurately depicting Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Later in 2022, Congress enacted a broader version of this language in the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act, barring funds for maps that inaccurately depict Taiwan’s territory and social and economic system, as part of ongoing efforts to promote accurate depictions of Taiwan on maps in federal publications.

In 2023, Rep. Tiffany’s “Honest Maps” amendment was adopted during House consideration of the annual National Defense Authorization Act, prohibiting the Department of Defense from creating, procuring, or displaying maps that depict Taiwan as part of the PRC.

In 2025, during the floor debate on the FY2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, Rep. Tiffany underscored this commitment, stating that “by every measure, Taiwan is a sovereign, democratic, and independent nation,” and that official U.S. maps should reflect the basic reality that “China is China, and Taiwan is Taiwan.”
 
Implications
 
The Taiwan “Honest Maps” provision is not merely symbolic; it has practical effects on official and public perceptions by ensuring that federally funded maps depict Taiwan accurately. Its recurring inclusion in appropriations legislation reflects the continued and consistent institutionalization of Congressional efforts to prevent U.S. government materials from legitimizing Beijing’s false sovereignty claims over Taiwan. It also reinforces the clear distinction between Taiwan and China in U.S. policy, public communication, and federal practice.
 
Sources:
[1] H.R.8595 (FY27 NSRP Appropriations Bill)   [2] House Appropriations Committee   [3] Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA)   [4] FAPA   [5] Office of Rep. Tom Tiffany   [6] FAPA   [7] US House Clerk (Rep. Tiffany’s Remarks)

President Lai Arrives in Eswatini as Global Solidarity Strengthens Against Beijing’s Weaponization of Airspace Access

On May 2, 2026, President Lai Ching-te successfully arrived in Eswatini, Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally in Africa. Originally scheduled for April 22, the visit was delayed by ten days after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar abruptly revoked overflight clearances under coercive pressure from Beijing.
 
Following strategic coordination by Taiwan’s diplomatic and national security teams, President Lai completed the journey to celebrate the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne. Upon his arrival, he reaffirmed that international engagement is an “inalienable right” of the Taiwanese people, stating that Taiwan does not seek confrontation but will respond to “unfair suppression” with “justice and reason.”
 
Growing Overseas Taiwanese Solidarity

Beijing’s attempt to block President Lai’s scheduled visit to Eswatini ignited a powerful wave of overseas Taiwanese mobilization. On April 23, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) led an international coalition of 33 overseas Taiwanese organizations in issuing a joint statement condemning Beijing for “weaponizing airspace access.”
 
By the time President Lai arrived in Eswatini, the coalition had grown to 37 organizations. The coalition emphasized that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country and that its 23 million people have the absolute right to engage freely with the world on their own terms, while demanding that the international community act to deter the PRC’s coercion against third countries.
 
U.S. Lawmaker Calls for Consequences
 
Beijing’s diplomatic sabotage has also sparked a sharp response in Washington. On April 23, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (R-WI) issued a formal letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, urging the U.S. government to hold the complicit countries accountable through specific punitive measures:

• Freezing more than US$100 million in U.S. foreign assistance commitments to Madagascar;
• Adding Mauritius to the U.S. “travel ban” list under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and
• Suspending any consideration of Seychelles for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

Rep. Tiffany described the arbitrary revocation of overflight clearances as an irresponsible action and a breach of international civil aviation norms that sets a dangerous precedent. 

Implications

Ultimately, President Lai’s successful visit serves as a powerful testament that Beijing’s coercion cannot erase Taiwan’s international partnerships or deny the Taiwanese people’s right to engage with the world.

At the same time, the growing overseas Taiwanese coalition demonstrates how diaspora solidarity can effectively transform outrage into decisive political momentum, as members of U.S. Congress call for concrete consequences in response to Beijing’s coercive actions.

This episode underscores that while the PRC may attempt to physically obstruct Taiwan’s diplomacy, such tactics only serve to harden international resolve and unify the global Taiwanese community.

Sources:
[1] Focus Taiwan   [2] FAPA   [3] FAPA   [4] Taiwan News

Taiwan Tests Whole-of-Society Defense, Sharpens U.S.-Aligned Readiness in Nationwide Exercises

Taiwan’s 2026 urban resilience drills kicked off on April 22, marking the start of a nationwide effort to strengthen civil defense preparedness in coordination with the military’s Han Kuang 42 computer-simulated command post exercise (CPX).
 
The opening drill mobilized alternative service personnel and municipal governments, supporting air raid alerts, evacuation maneuvers, and disaster response operations. Additional urban resilience drills are planned in 10 other municipalities across Taiwan this year.
 
Meanwhile, the broader Han Kuang 42 exercises began with computer-assisted tabletop war games from April 11 to 24, while its live-fire phase is expected to take place this summer. This year’s drills will also test troops across four U.S.-style rehearsal methods designed to bolster unit-level coordination, operational execution, and U.S.–Taiwan alignment on combat readiness.
 
No Scripts, No Shortcuts
 
The 2026 urban resilience drills underscore the Taiwanese government’s continued commitment to institutionalizing “whole-of-society” resilience to deter authoritarian aggression. Unlike more scripted exercises of the past, participants and municipalities are prohibited from making prior preparations — such as pre-positioning supplies or setting up facilities — forcing them to respond in real time to simulated crises.
 
Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) emphasized that the goal is not choreographed performance but genuine proficiency, with trained evaluation teams grading each stage of the exercise to identify weaknesses and prevent superficial compliance. The defense ministry has also introduced standardized metrics to ensure participants develop practical capabilities rather than treating drills as routine formalities.
 
U.S.–Taiwan Alignment on Combat Readiness
 
The four U.S.-style rehearsal methods being tested in this year’s Han Kuang exercises are: combined arms rehearsals (CAR), confirmation briefs or backbriefs, support rehearsals, and battle drills or SOP rehearsals.
 
A senior defense official noted that while Taiwan’s military has long maintained similar operational concepts, growing security exchanges with the United States are driving more rigorous implementation of these rehearsal methods, aimed at empowering frontline troops as active decision-makers and strengthening overall combat effectiveness.
 
Implications
 
Together, these reforms reflect a profound transformation in Taiwan’s defense posture as a sovereign and self-reliant democracy. As highlighted by American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene following his visit to Taiwan’s Central Joint Emergency Operations Center (CJEOC), Taiwan has made “significant strides” in integrating ministries, local governments, infrastructure providers, and civil society into a coordinated response framework. Proactively demonstrating the will to prepare, he emphasized, is in itself a key element of deterrence essential to preserving peace.
 
For the people of Taiwan, this whole-of-society approach represents much more than a tactical exercise; it is a foundational democratic resilience strategy that strengthens Taiwan’s ability to withstand authoritarian coercion, support military operations, and demonstrate to both allies and adversaries that the Taiwanese people are unwavering in their resolve to defend their free and sovereign homeland.

Sources:
[1] Focus Taiwan   [2] Taipei Times   [3] Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND)   [4] Taipei Times   [5] Storm Media   [6] AIT Director Raymond Greene’s LinkedIn account   [7] Focus Taiwan

Don’t Miss PBS Broadcasts of Invisible Nation, an Award-Winning Documentary on Taiwan’s Democracy!

Starting May 1, 2026, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) began broadcasting Invisible Nation, an award-winning documentary about Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai Ing-wen. The film has already achieved carriage in over 77% of U.S. media markets, bringing Taiwan’s story to living rooms across America!
 
To celebrate Taiwanese American Heritage Week, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) has co-organized a nationwide university tour of Invisible Nation with film director Vanessa Hope and the film’s production team. The tour has already reached over 1,000 attendees and is on track to span 19 university campuses across 11 states.
 
See if your local PBS station is broadcasting Invisible Nation by clicking here.
 
Invisible Nation is also available to stream for free on PBS.org and the PBS Passport app.

Source:
[1] FAPA

The post 2026-0504: Taiwan “Honest Maps” Provision; President Lai’s Eswatini Visit; Taiwan’s Whole-of-Society Defense; PBS Broadcasts of Invisible Nation appeared first on Formosan Association for Public Affairs.