Twenty-four Republican members of the US House of Representatives yesterday introduced a concurrent resolution calling on the US government to abolish the “one China” policy and restore formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Led by US representatives Tom Tiffany and Scott Perry, the resolution calls for not only re-establishing formal relations, but also urges the US Trade Representative to negotiate a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Taiwan and for US officials to advocate for Taiwan’s full membership in the UN and other international organizations.
In a news release announcing the resolution, Tiffany, who represents a Wisconsin district, called the “one China” policy “outdated, counterproductive and dishonest.”
Photo: AFP
The US “inexplicably” treats Taiwan’s democratically elected government “the same way it treats brutal regimes in North Korea and Iran,” the news release said.
Taiwan’s diplomatic, cultural and economic links around the world demonstrate its “clear and indisputable independence from the People’s Republic of China,” the resolution says.
The “so-called ‘one China policy’ is obsolete, does not serve the people of Taiwan or the US, and fails to reflect the obvious reality” of Taiwan’s independence, the resolution adds.
The resolution cites previous statements and legislation, such as the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and then-US president Ronald Reagan’s “six assurances” as well as arms sales and the Taiwan Travel Act to demonstrate that Taiwan is a “steadfast” ally of the US.
In addition to calling for an FTA and Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, the resolution also suggests sending a US ambassador to Taiwan and receiving a Taiwanese ambassador to the US, and rescinding guidelines on interactions between officials in both countries.
A resolution, unlike a bill, is not presented to the president for action and is not a law, but serves to express the US Congress’ position on an issue.
A concurrent resolution requires approval from both the US House of Representatives and the Senate.
It comes just two days after a bill, led by US representatives Young Kim and Al Green, was introduced to the House of Representatives calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the IMF.
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