TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US lawmakers marked the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, highlighting its continued role as the foundation of US–Taiwan relations and a key pillar of Indo-Pacific stability.

They said the act has supported Taiwan’s security, democracy, and economic development while anchoring cooperation. They added that it remains central to regional peace as Taiwan faces continued pressure from China, and reiterated their commitment to maintaining support for Taiwan, according to CNA.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker said on X that the Taiwan Relations Act reflects strong congressional support for Taiwan’s democracy and people. He added that the US will “continue to stand with Taiwan to deter coercion and threats from the Chinese Communist Party.”

Pete Ricketts, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee Chair, said the law underpins the expanding US–Taiwan partnership in defense, technology, and trade. “The US remains committed to Taiwan and the defense of democracy,” he added, while noting China’s continued coercive and destabilizing actions in the region.

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs said the act has strengthened Taiwan’s security and advanced US interests in the Indo-Pacific over nearly five decades. The House Select Committee on China said it remains a key congressional commitment to regional peace and stability and pledged continued support for Taiwan’s self-determination.

Senator Andy Kim said the act has helped ensure peace, prosperity, and security for Taiwan, describing the country as a key US partner in commerce, security, and democracy. He called for the relationship to continue expanding and deepening.

Senator Maggie Hassan said countering Chinese aggression is essential to US national security. He added that US relations with Taiwan are grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act and that support for regional partners should continue.

US Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chair Ami Bera said the act has served as the cornerstone of bilateral relations for 47 years, strengthening economic and security ties while reinforcing shared democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. He said he remains committed to strengthening bipartisan support for Taiwan in Congress.

The Taiwan Relations Act was passed by the US Congress and signed into law in 1979 after Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. It provides the legal framework for relations between the US and Taiwan, according to CNA.

It authorizes the continuation of commercial, cultural, and other relations between Americans and the Taiwanese. It also states that peace and stability in the Western Pacific are in the political, security, and economic interests of the US.

The provisions in Section 2 of the Taiwan Relations Act most clearly reflect its security commitment to Taiwan. They state that the US’ decision to establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan was based on the expectation that “the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means.”

They add that “any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means” would be considered a threat to regional peace and a matter of “grave concern” to the US. The act also provides for the supply of defensive arms to Taiwan and maintains the US capacity to “resist any resort to force or other forms of coeraction that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan.”