A resolution reaffirming the United States' commitment to Taiwan and recognizing the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Bill: 118-sres-633
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2024-04-10
Policy area: International Affairs
Latest action: action_date: 2024-04-10
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2711-2712)

Summaries:

tv_txt: III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 633 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 10, 2024 Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Merkley ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Reaffirming the United States' commitment to Taiwan and recognizing the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act ( Public Law 96–8 ; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq. ; referred to in this preamble as the TRA ), which was enacted on April 10, 1979, has been a cornerstone in upholding peace, security, and stability in the Taiwan Strait for 45 years, reflecting the enduring political, international, and economic interests of the United States; Whereas United States relations with Taiwan are carried out through the American Institute in Taiwan pursuant to the TRA; Whereas in 1982, President Ronald Reagan further clarified the importance and resilience of the United States-Taiwan relationship with the issuance of the Six Assurances to Taiwan; Whereas the TRA and the Six Assurances are cornerstones of United States policy with respect to Taiwan; Whereas the TRA and the Six Assurances have been essential components in helping to maintain peace, security, and stability in the Western Pacific, thereby furthering the political, security, and economic interests of the United States and Taiwan; Whereas Taiwan is a key United States partner in the Indo-Pacific that shares similar values, deep commercial and economic links, and strong ties; Whereas the TRA enshrines in law the United States' commitment to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability; Whereas the TRA states it is United States policy to maintain the capacity of the United States to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan; Whereas the United States and Taiwan have forged ever closer economic and security relations over the last 45 years based on— (1) their shared commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and free market principles; and (2) their willingness to partner in efforts to promote democratic resilience, counter disinformation, and to address other global challenges, such as those related to the environment, public health, energy security, education, women’s empowerment, digital economy, poverty, and natural disasters; Whereas in 1971, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 2758 (XXVI), which does not address— (1) Taiwan’s political status; or (2) the issue of Taiwan’s representation in the United Nations; Whereas the People’s Republic of China continues to falsely assert that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) resolved, politically, legally and procedurally, the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the United Nations and international institutions ; Whereas Taiwan is the United States’ eighth-largest trading partner and, in 2023, the United States and Taiwan signed the first agreement under a United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade; Whereas the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act ( Public Law 117–263 ), which was enacted in 2022, included important provisions— (1) to expand United States-Taiwan security cooperation and mutually beneficial relationship through the Taiwan Fellowship Program; and (2) to develop a strategy for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations; Whereas the Global Cooperation and Training Framework exemplifies the commitment of the United States and Taiwan to collaborate on global challenges, enhancing global capacity through cooperation and the sharing of best practices in areas such as public health, environmental protection, and cybersecurity; Whereas the programs under the United States-Taiwan Education Initiative significantly contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations through educational exchanges, language learning, and professional development, facilitating mutual understanding and collaboration between the peoples of the United States and Taiwan; Whereas the United States-Taiwan Science and Technology Agreement and the inaugural Science and Technology Cooperation Dialogue highlight the dedication of the United States and Taiwan— (1) to advancing collaboration and understanding between their respective science and technology communities; and (2) to fostering innovation and addressing shared challenges through joint research and development efforts; and Whereas Taiwan’s democracy has deepened with the 3 peaceful transfers of power from 1 political party to another over 8 direct Presidential and 10 direct legislative elections: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act, which, together with the Six Assurances, are cornerstones of the United States' unofficial relationship with Taiwan; (2) reiterates that the President should continue regular transfers of defense articles to Taiwan consistent with Taiwan’s self-defense requirements; (3) calls on the Secretary of State to actively engage internationally in support of Taiwan’s membership or meaningful participation in international organizations; (4) reaffirms the importance of cultivating close ties through initiatives such as the Fulbright Program and the Taiwan Fellowship Program; and (5) acknowledges the important work done by the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in support of joint United States-Taiwan interests.