Van Hollen, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Curtis (R-Utah), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to support Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations as China continues working to curtail Taiwan’s influence in global affairs. U.S. Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.) introduced the companion legislation in the House earlier this year, where it passed in May.

“As a thriving democracy with a strong economy, Taiwan brings an important perspective to global affairs. But the People’s Republic of China is working to prevent Taiwan from participating in the international forums where key global issues are discussed. Our bipartisan bill uses American leverage to counter Beijing’s efforts to silence Taiwan on the world stage and ensure it can play a robust role in shaping international affairs,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Taiwan is a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific—connected to us through shared values, deep economic ties, and strong people-to-people relationships,” said Senator Curtis. “For years, Beijing has worked to isolate Taiwan and distort history. The United Nations must not become a platform for that distortion. It must stand for clarity. I’m proud to work with Senator Van Hollen on this bipartisan effort to ensure our representatives push back—firmly and consistently—against false claims and stand up for Taiwan’s dignity and right to self-determination.”

This legislation strengthens the TAIPEI Act of 2019 to clarify that U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not preclude the United States from using its vote, voice, and influence to resist the reckless campaign against Taiwan’s place on the world stage. The legislation further instructs the United States to use its voice, vote, and influence to resist Beijing’s efforts to distort the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of international organizations regarding Taiwan. This bill also encourages the U.S. to work with allies and partners to oppose the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally. Additionally, it expands reporting requirements to include information relating to any prior or ongoing attempts by the People’s Republic of China to undermine Taiwan’s participation in international organizations as well as its ties and relationships with other countries.

Text of the legislation can be viewed here.