US senators yesterday introduced the Taiwan Travel and Tourism Coordination Act to strengthen bilateral travel and cooperation.
The bill, proposed by Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Brian Schatz, seeks to establish "robust security screenings for those traveling to the US from Asia, open new markets for American industry, and strengthen the economic partnership between the US and Taiwan," a statement said.
Photo: AFP
"Travel and tourism play a crucial role in a nation's economic security," it said, but added that Taiwan faces "pressure and coercion from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)" in this sector.
As Taiwan is a "vital trading partner and ally in the Indo-Pacific region," the US must "assist our allies in stabilizing their economies and growing their national industries," the statement said.
Schatz, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and representing Hawaii, said the bill would help "unlock more economic opportunities for the people of Taiwan, Hawaii and our entire country."
On the other hand, "the CCP's campaign for global dominance also presents a clear threat to US interests," Blackburn said.
She said the US needs to secure the homeland, and the act would assist in "achieving enhanced security at foreign airports," as it requires the federal government to study the feasibility of establishing a "pre-clearance" facility in Taiwan.
Pre-clearance is the "strategic stationing of [US] Customs and Border Protection personnel at designated foreign airports to inspect travelers prior to boarding US-bound flights," the statement said.
The measure would "enhance security, increase collaboration and streamline travel," the statement said.
The statement also said that there is currently no pre-clearance facility in Asia, despite "an annual average of more than 4 million travelers from the continent."
US lawmakers had pushed for Taiwan's participation in a pre-clearance program in December 2021.
However, then-minister of foreign affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) confirmed in March 2022 that "the US thought Taiwan was too safe, and had to prioritize more dangerous regions."
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