U.S. House passes bill to safeguard Taiwan's international participation

Washington, July 25 (CNA) The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation aimed at countering efforts by China to exclude Taiwan from participating in international organizations.

The bill, titled the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, was passed via voice vote and would amend language in the TAIPEI Act of 2019.

While the TAIPEI Act originally focused on how the U.S. should support Taiwan's participation in international organizations, the new bill would also require it to oppose attempts by Beijing to "resolve Taiwan's status by distorting [such organizations'] decisions, language, policies or procedures."

Specifically, the bill makes the argument that United Nations Resolution 2758, which recognized the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China in 1971, does not apply to Taiwan.

"The resolution did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the United Nations or any related organizations, nor did the resolution take a position on the relationship between the [PRC] and Taiwan or include any statement pertaining to Taiwan's sovereignty," the bill states.

"The United States opposes any initiative that seeks to change Taiwan's status without the consent of the [Taiwanese] people," it adds.

The draft bill was first introduced in February by representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ami Bera (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), John Curtis (R-UT), Andy Barr (R-KY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Lisa McClain (R-MI).

The bill will now proceed to the Senate, and if passed there, would be sent to the president to be signed into law.