The US Congress has expressed its strong support for Taiwan’s democracy and its commitment to defend the island from China’s threats, in a series of resolutions and statements ahead of Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15.
On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed two bills that aim to bolster Taiwan’s economic and financial security and to counter China’s influence in international organizations. The bills, which were previously approved by the Senate, now await President Biden’s signature.
The first bill, the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, directs the US government to support Taiwan’s participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral financial institutions and to oppose any attempts by China to downgrade Taiwan’s status or exclude it from such institutions.
The second bill, the Taiwan Financial Defense Act, requires the US Treasury Department to report on China’s efforts to coerce or intimidate Taiwan’s financial institutions, and to recommend actions to protect Taiwan’s financial system and deter China’s aggression.
The bills’ sponsors said that the legislation would enhance Taiwan’s economic resilience and sovereignty, and send a clear message to China that the US stands with Taiwan and its democratic values.
On the same day, dozens of US lawmakers co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution in the House, commending Taiwan’s commitment to democratic elections and institutions in the face of China’s ongoing threats and interference. A companion resolution was introduced in the Senate, with at least 36 co-sponsors from both parties.
The resolution praised Taiwan’s “rule of law and vibrant civil society, diverse economy, and stable political system,” and contrasted that with the situation in China. It also reaffirmed the US’s obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances to provide Taiwan with defensive arms and to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo by China.
The resolution’s sponsors said that they wanted to show their solidarity with Taiwan and its people and to celebrate Taiwan’s achievements as a beacon of democracy in the region.
The US House Speaker, Nancy Johnson, also met with Taiwan’s new envoy to the US, Bi-khim Hsiao, on Wednesday, and congratulated her on her appointment. Johnson said that she looked forward to working with Hsiao to strengthen the US-Taiwan partnership and to advance their shared interests and values.
Taiwan’s voters will head to the polls on Saturday for the presidential and parliamentary elections, which are widely seen as a referendum on Taiwan’s future and its relations with China. China views Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control, despite the strong objections of the Taiwanese government and the international community.
The US is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. The US has repeatedly expressed its support for Taiwan’s democracy and security and has urged China to refrain from any provocative actions or rhetoric that could undermine the cross-strait stability.
