A bill bolstering relations between the ROC and the U.S. politically, economically and through security cooperation was passed unanimously Aug. 1 by the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.
U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, who serves as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said he applauds the passage of H.R. 419, which strengthens the Taiwan-U.S. partnership. “As we work to advance trade, human rights, and security in this important region, today’s legislation sends a strong message of support to our democratic ally.”
Introduced Jan. 25 by U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and current chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, the bill aims “to strengthen and clarify the commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan, as codified in the Taiwan Relations Act, and for other purposes.”
Regarding contact between high-level ROC and U.S. government officials, the legislation calls for meetings in either country and for “encouraging visits by cabinet-level officials between the United States and Taiwan to foster commercial, technological, and people-to-people exchanges.”
Implying an upgrade in the status of the director of the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. ambassador to the ROC, the bill requires he be appointed by the U.S. president with the consent of the Senate, the same procedure required for appointing U.S. ambassadors to other countries.
The legislation also requires the U.S. Department of State to take practical action to promote Taiwan’s meaningful participation in U.N.-affiliated agencies and enhance Taiwan’s international space.
An immediate goal cited by the bill is to ensure Taiwan’s participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization “so that Taiwan may contribute to the success of a global strategy to address aviation security threats based on effective international cooperation.”
As to defense concerns, the legislation calls a wide range of defensive weaponry to be made available to Taiwan. This includes F-16 C/D multirole fighters or aircraft of similar capability; anti-ship cruise missiles; vertical and short take-off and landing aircraft; and naval craft including submarines and guided missile frigates.
On the economic front, the bill states, “It is the sense of Congress that at an appropriate time, the United States should seek the negotiation of a free trade agreement with Taiwan.”
Also highlighted in the bill is the need for enhancement of judicial cooperation with Taiwan by signing a comprehensive extradition agreement.
Co-sponsored by U.S Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, Gerald Connolly, John Carter and Albio Sires—all Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs—the legislation states: “Congress desires to both clarify United States policy toward Taiwan and enhance its oversight role in the implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act.”
The text also notes that act does not amend or supersede the Taiwan Relations Act, which has been the cornerstone of Taiwan-U.S. relations over the past 34 years.
Before the bill can become law, it must go before the House, followed by review and a vote in the Senate. (JD)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw