The US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday approved legislation requiring US President Barack Obama to develop a strategy to win observer status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
The bill must now go before the House for approval and is expected to then go directly to the White House because it has bipartisan backing and is supported by the executive branch.
“Passing today’s important legislation helps bring Taiwan closer to observer status with Interpol,” House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce said.
“Despite being a major US trade partner, Taiwan has to rely on delayed, second-hand information about international criminals and global criminal activities,” Royce said.
He said that it made Taiwan “needlessly vulnerable” to criminals.
“Today’s bipartisan legislation elevating Taiwan’s standing is a big step toward improving everyone’s security,” he said.
The bill was originally introduced by US Representative Matt Salmon, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
White House sources say that the Obama administration is ready to submit an official request to Interpol for Taiwan to be given observer status and to encourage other Interpol members to support the move.
Full membership is not possible because statehood is a prerequisite and Beijing objects.
Taiwan was a full member of Interpol from 1964 until 1984, when China applied for membership.
“Today’s vote is another example of Chairman Royce’s efforts to expand Taiwan’s role in the international community and improve the safety and ease of travel for people traveling to and from Taiwan,” a press release issued by the committee said.
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