The unanimous passage of the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act of 2019 by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in support of Taiwan’s international participation, resisting China’s coercion and fostering closer trade ties is deeply appreciated, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs March 12.
Sponsored by a group of lawmakers led by Sen. Cory Gardner, the act advocates Taiwan’s membership and observer status in international organizations. U.S. leaders and representatives are instructed to use their influence to achieve this aim.
The bill also states the U.S. should “support Taiwan in strengthening its official diplomatic relationships as well as other partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world,” and “alter its economic, security and diplomatic engagement with nations that take serious or significant actions to undermine the security or prosperity of Taiwan” while increasing exchanges with those that have demonstrably strengthened, enhanced or upgraded ties.
According to the act, Taiwan and the U.S. have a strong economic partnership, with the U.S. being Taiwan’s second largest trading partner and Taiwan being the U.S.’s 11th largest. This healthy state of affairs continues to create jobs and trade opportunities for people on both sides, it says.
The MOFA said bipartisan passage through Congress is a resounding vote of confidence in the country’s democracy. As a reliable force for good in the world, Taiwan will continue working with its like-minded partners to promote peace, freedom and human rights throughout the Indo-Pacific, the ministry added.
According to the U.S. legislative procedure, the bill will be sent to the president who has 10 days to sign or veto the measure before it passes into law. (YCH-E)
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