U.S. lawmakers are stepping up their commitment to Taiwan, with two representatives reintroducing a resolution aimed at not only ending the United States' long-standing 'one China' policy but also re-establishing formal diplomatic ties with the self-governing island nation.
The resolution was brought forth by Republican Representatives Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, gathering support from 22 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This initiative follows their initial effort introduced back in 2021, signaling persistent effort among U.S. lawmakers to reassess and strengthen relations with Taiwan amid rising tensions with China.
At the core of their proposal is the assertion of Taiwan’s sovereignty and its status as an independent country—assertions denied by Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory. The resolution calls on President Donald Trump to “abandon the antiquated ‘one China’ policy” and recognize the democratically elected government of Taiwan. It also demands the appointment of U.S. ambassadors to Taiwan and advocates for Taiwan's full membership in international organizations such as the United Nations.
According to Tiffany, “the one China policy is outdated, counterproductive.” This sentiment reflects wider frustrations within the U.S. legislative body over the treatment of Taiwan and the perceived encroachment of Chinese influence on global politics.
Historically, U.S.-Taiwan relations have waxed and waned, particularly since the U.S. severed formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 when it recognized Beijing. The new resolution highlights past U.S. Presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, who have shaped the conversation around Taiwan's status.
Clinton previously indicated the need for any resolutions between Taiwan and Beijing to be peaceful and with the consent of the Taiwanese people. The current resolution argues the continuation of the one China policy fails to respect the reality of Taiwan’s independence, which has been affirmed for more than 70 years.
Adding to the chorus of support for Taiwan’s autonomy is Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois Wu, who remarked on the regional threats Taiwan faces. Wu likened Taiwan's situation to Europe during the rise of Adolf Hitler, asserting, “Taiwan like Prague in 1938 facing Adolf Hitler; only if Taiwan remains free and democratic would the world be safe.” Such statements resonate broadly amid fears of potential conflict should China assert authority over Taiwan.
Meanwhile, another issue impacting Taiwan is its representative office's relocation from South Africa due to Chinese pressure. U.S. and UK lawmakers have voiced their dissatisfaction with this decision, stating it compromises democratic values. U.S. Representative Young Kim condemned the South African government for yielding to the pressures of the Chinese Communist Party, describing their actions as “puppeteering.”
Notably, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz remarked, “The South African government seems to be going out of their way to alienate the United States and our allies,” emphasizing the fragile dynamics of international relations and alliances.
The growing rhetoric from Western lawmakers reinforces the significance of Taiwan's diplomatic status on the global stage. The South African decision to move the Taiwanese office back reflects the tension between adhering to international consensus on Taiwan’s sovereignty and succumbing to Chinese diplomatic coercions.
Collectively, the movements and resolutions from U.S. lawmakers represent not just another chapter in Taiwan's quest for recognition but also highlight the shifting geopolitical landscapes and the interplay of international relations as nations grapple with China’s influence. The ultimate goal persists: ensuring Taiwan's democratic foundations and sovereignty are not merely acknowledged but actively supported.
With the evolution of global politics, these developments urge not just Taiwan but all democratic nations to stand firm against pressures exerted by authoritarian regimes. The outcomes of these resolutions and international responses could define the future course of U.S.-Taiwan relations and set precedents for similar democratic struggles worldwide.