TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Three representatives Tuesday reintroduced a bill calling on the US State Department to lift restrictions on US government contacts with Taiwan officials.
Republican Representative Ann Wagner and Democratic Representatives Gerry Connolly and Ted Lieu reintroduced the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, per CNA.
According to the bill, the US secretary of state must periodically review the guidelines for interacting with Taiwan. These reviews must evaluate whether the current guidelines can deepen and expand US-Taiwan relations, and reflect the values, advantages, and importance of the bilateral relationship.
The bill also says the guidelines must fully consider Taiwan as a democratic partner and a free and open society. The guidelines should ensure that the approach to relations with Taiwan contributes to the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
In a statement, Wagner said that China is determined to exert influence over Taiwan and expand its hostile influence globally. “Taiwan is a strong partner of the United States, and we cannot and we will not let the Chinese Communist Party threaten our allies and assets in the Indo-Pacific," said Wagner.
Wagner added the bill would deepen US-Taiwan relations and “will signal to the world that the United States will never kowtow to communist China.”
“Now more than ever, it is imperative for the United States to demonstrate its unwavering support for our friend and ally, Taiwan," said Connolly.
Lieu said Taiwan is an essential partner for the US and the international community. As China continues to exert greater pressure on US regional partners and the world, Lieu said “it’s critical our government works together to support Taiwan.”
In January 2021, outgoing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the removal of self-imposed restrictions on US policy toward Taiwan, abolishing all guidelines on US-Taiwan interactions. After the Biden administration took office, the guidelines were reinstated but with some exceptions.
The original Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act passed the US House of Representatives in 2023 by a large margin but was halted in the Senate.
