Royce Pushes Legislation to Enhance U.S.-Taiwan Relations

Royce Pushes Legislation to Enhance U.S.-Taiwan Relations
“The Taiwan Policy Act of 2011” stresses political, economic, and security rejuvenation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) became an original co-sponsor of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's legislation, introduced today, to strengthen the Taiwan Relations Act and enhance commercial and cultural relations between the United States and Taiwan.  As the first democratic republic in Asia, Taiwan has proven to be a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the region, and continues to share many common values with the United States.

“Our friends in Taiwan face many challenges.  China’s rapid militarization and continued belligerent actions in the South China Sea are a serious cause for concern to Taiwan, and America.  That is why this legislation is so timely.  We need to bolster our support for Taiwan to promote peace and security in the region,” said Royce.

This legislation takes important steps to bolster U.S.-Taiwan diplomatic relations and Taiwan’s status in international organizations.  Specifically, the bill calls for the Secretary of State to endorse meaningful participation for Taiwan at the International Civil Aviation Organization.  It also calls on cabinet-level officials to engage in people-to-people exchanges, something that has not occurred since 2000.

“For too long, Taiwan has been left out of international organizations at the demand of China. Despite being home to the world’s 18th busiest airport, Taiwan has been kept out of an organization that aims to keep passengers safe.  The 35 million passengers that travel to and from Taiwan each year are done a great disservice by Taiwan’s exclusion,” said Royce.

Trade relations between the U.S. and Taiwan are also a key part of the introduced bill.  Significantly, the bill calls for the United States Trade Representative to “resume” Trade and Investment Framework Agreement negotiations with Taiwan and states that a free trade agreement with Taiwan should be the ultimate goal of trade negotiations.

“Both of our countries have built their economies, and their trade relationship, on economic freedom,” said Royce.  “We should begin negotiations for an FTA with Taiwan as soon as possible.  It’s a win for the U.S. and a win for Taiwan.”

Of concern to many Members of Congress are the consistently delayed defense sales to Taiwan.  The sale of F-16 C/D aircraft that are essential in helping keep parity with Chinese air capabilities has been ignored by the Obama Administration.

"This legislation puts pressure on the administration to honor our commitments to Taiwan, and will help ensure that Taiwan has the defense capabilities it needs to defend itself,” said Royce.

Rep. Royce is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and is an active member of the Friends of Taiwan Caucus.

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Office of Representative Ed Royce