Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Taiwan Caucus, and the former President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific, introduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, bipartisan legislation that counters Beijing’s attempts to exclude Taiwan from participating in international organizations. The legislation previously passed the House in July 2023.
“For too long, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has distorted policies and procedures at international organizations to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, often to the detriment of global health, governance, and security efforts,” said Connolly. “This bipartisan legislation ensures that we stand against Beijing’s weaponization of international organizations and in solidarity with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan.”
“Beijing continues to do all it can to isolate Taiwan from the outside world and silence Taiwan’s voice on the world stage. Taiwan has a track record of success in democracy and global health security, and its perspective deserves to be heard,” said Kim. “The Taiwan International Solidarity Act helps the United States demonstrate through meaningful action our support for Taiwan’s status in international organizations. Taiwan’s participation in global conversation is the world’s gain.”
The Taiwan International Solidarity Act builds on the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act, which was signed into law in March 2020, to further counter the PRC’s attempts to weaponize international organizations to claim that Taiwan is part of China by distorting the language, policies, and procedures of international organizations. The legislation clarifies 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. It 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. Finally, the bill 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.
In addition to Connolly and Kim, the legislation is cosponsored by the following Members of Congress: Cohen, Fitzpatrick, Suozzi, Min, Gottheimer, Sherman, Bera, Titus, and Lawler.
Text of the legislation is available here.
