U.S. Congress Reintroduces Taiwan International Solidarity Act: A Boost for Taiwan's Global Standing

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Counter China's Efforts and Champion Taiwan's Voice on the World Stage

Taipei, April 1 - A significant step towards reinforcing Taiwan's international presence was taken as a bipartisan group of American lawmakers reintroduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday (U.S. time). This follows the legislation's previous stalling in the Senate in 2023.

The act, as detailed in a press release from the office of Representative Gerry Connolly, aims to "encourage the U.S. to work with allies and partners to oppose the People's Republic of China's efforts to undermine Taiwan's diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally."

A key aspect of the legislation is its clarification regarding U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution, often cited by Beijing to justify its territorial claims over Taiwan, "does not preclude the United States from using its vote, voice, and influence to resist the reckless campaign against Taiwan's place on the world stage," the press release states.

Representative Connolly highlighted that the bill builds upon the 2019 Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act. The goal remains consistent: to counter China's "weaponization" of international organizations and to "stand in solidarity with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan."

The draft bill further stipulates that the U.S. government will "use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States" to actively "resist the People's Republic of China's efforts to distort the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of [international] organizations regarding Taiwan."

Representative Young Kim, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized, "Taiwan has a track record of success in democracy and global health security, and its perspective deserves to be heard."

Kim, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, explained that this act serves as a demonstration of "meaningful action" in support of Taiwan's role within international organizations. She further stated, "Taiwan's participation in global conversation is the world's gain."

The bill enjoys cross-party support, with co-sponsors including Democrats Ami Bera, Dina Titus, Steve Cohen, Thomas Suozzi, Dave Min, Josh Gottheimer, and Brad Sherman, along with Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick and Michael Lawler.

The legislative process will now move to the committee review stage. The bill must successfully pass both the House and Senate before it can be enacted into law by the president.