The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday advanced three Taiwan-related bills, although a fourth was set aside for later discussion.
The three measures passed are the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act, the Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act and the Taiwan Allies Fund Act.
The Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act would authorize expanded US exports of liquefied natural gas and encourage use of nuclear energy to alleviate Taiwan’s vulnerability to coercion by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Photo: CNA
The Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act would coordinate US Navy operations with Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, impose sanctions on those who damage undersea cables and provide intelligence warnings.
Finally, the Taiwan Allies Fund Act would authorize the executive branch to establish a fund of US$120 million over three years to assist Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and unofficial partners facing pressure from Beijing.
The three bills go to the full Senate for consideration before referral to the House of Representatives and finally to the president to be signed into law if passed.
The Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty Act, set aside for the time being, would allow Taiwanese diplomats and military personnel to display symbols of sovereignty such as flags and military insignia during official visits to the US, lifting restrictions put in place under former US president Barack Obama.
The bill was introduced late last year by Senator Ted Cruz, who on Thursday asked the Senate to imagine meeting with French diplomats and requesting that they not use the French flag.
Senators set the act aside over fears of upsetting China, saying that Taiwan had never requested a change in policy.
Under the proposal, the US defense and state secretaries would allow members of the Taiwanese armed forces and government representatives, or the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), to display symbols of sovereignty while on official business in the US.
US Senator Tammy Duckworth said the measure was not supported by the US Department of State, to which Cruz said that he had not received such information and that the Senate does not answer to the State Department.
US Senator Jeff Merkley questioned to what extent the act would assist Taiwan in resisting Chinese coercion and whether the move would anger China.
US Senator Jeanne Shaheen said that — as much as she recognizes the importance of symbolism — Taiwan has not requested the US make such a move.
US Senator Bill Hagerty said he hoped that the bill would not fail in its final review stages, while US Senator Brian Schatz suggested delaying the vote until a consensus is reached.
US Senator Rand Paul said he would vote against the bill unless Taiwan gives a statement on the issue.
Cruz agreed to delay the vote if it meant there was a greater possibility of the bill being passed.
US Senator Steve Daines said that a consensus should be reached before upcoming summits between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平).
In the committee, even one member can block a bill and delay discussions until the next hearing.
A date has not yet been set to continue discussion of the act.
TECRO said yesterday in a news release that its goal has always been to strengthen Taiwan-US relations and thanked the Senate for passing legislation that reflects its steadfast support for Taiwan.
It added that it would continue to maintain close communication with the US and build on the already-strong foundation to deepen the tight and lasting partnership between the two countries.
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