Wagner Reintroduces Bill to Combat China’s Aggression, Support an Independent Taiwan
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), along with Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), released the following statement after they introduced the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, legislation that passed the House in 2023:
“The People’s Republic of China is hell-bent on exerting power over Taiwan and expanding their hostile influence to the detriment of the entire world,” said Wagner. “Taiwan is a strong partner of the United States, and we cannot and we will not let the Chinese Communist Party threaten our allies and assets in the Indo-Pacific. The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act will deepen the relationship between our countries and will signal to the world that the United States will never kowtow to Communist China.”
“Now more than ever, it is imperative for the United States to demonstrate its unwavering support for our friend and ally, Taiwan,” said Connolly. “In the face of an increasingly aggressive People’s Republic of China, our commitment to and partnership with Taiwan is paramount. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that strengthens the deepening relationship between the United States and Taiwan.”
“Taiwan is a key partner to the United States and the global community,” said Lieu. “As the Chinese government asserts more pressure on our regional partners and world, it’s critical our government works together to support Taiwan. I’m pleased to join my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to ensure the Administration consults Congress as it develops its Taiwan guidance. This will allow for a more unified approach in coordinating US-Taiwan relations and strengthen our essential partnership.”
Background
The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act would require the Department of State to conduct periodic reviews of its guidelines for U.S. engagement with Taiwan. These regular reviews and updates must:
- Explain how the guidance deepens and expands United States-Taiwan relations, and reflects the value, merits, and importance of the United States-Taiwan relationship;
- Give due consideration to the fact that Taiwan is a democratic partner and a free and open society that respects universal human rights and democratic values;
- Ensure that the conduct of relations with Taiwan reflects the longstanding, comprehensive, and values-based relationship the United States shares with Taiwan, and contribute to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.
- Identify opportunities to lift any remaining self-imposed limitations on U.S.-Taiwan engagement and articulate a plan to do so.