While the world is focused on the coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump signed the TAIPEI Act to strengthen its ties with Taiwan. Through this bill, the Washington has expressed its support for Taiwan as it cements its relationships with other countries.
The law is formally known as the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act. This was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives on March 4. The Senate bill approved unanimously in October.
The TAIPEI Act was authored by Senator Cory Gardner, Republican of Colorado, and Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware. They all agree that says the US must support Taiwan in establishing its alliances around the world amid increased pressure and what Coons claims as "bullying tactics" from China.
“The United States should use every tool to support Taiwan’s standing on the international stage,” Gardner stated in a joint announcement with Coons.
“This bipartisan legislation demands a whole-of-government approach to ramp up our support for Taiwan, and will send a strong message to nations that there will be consequences for supporting Chinese actions that undermine Taiwan."
“I’m pleased the President signed this bill into law,” said Coons. “The TAIPEI Act sends a clear message that the United States stands with Taiwan’s free-market democracy. I look forward to finding additional ways to support the positive role Taiwan plays in international affairs.”
The bill states that the US will limit its economic, security and diplomatic relations with countries that deliberately undermine Taiwan.
In addition, the US would support Taiwan’s membership in all international organizations that do not require statehood. Taiwan is expected to gain observer status in other appropriate international organizations.
Beijing perceives the move by US legislators as attempts to interfere in the domestic affairs of China. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian described the TAIPEI Act a “severe violation of the one-China principle."
Taiwan currently had full diplomatic relations with 15 countries. However, since 2016, when pro-democracy president Tsai Ing-wen was elected in Taiwan, eight countries have limited their diplomatic relations with Taipei in favor of Beijing. Tsai saw it as “part of a series of diplomatic and military acts of coercion” by China.
Tsai said that China must acknowledge the independence of Taiwan, which deserved the mainland’s respect. “We have a separate identity and we’re a country of our own,” she told the BBC.
