U.S. representatives reintroduce resolution to resume formal Taiwan ties

Washington, Feb. 6 (CNA) Two U.S. House representatives on Thursday reintroduced a resolution, backed by 22 other lawmakers, calling for the United States to end its "one China" policy, resume formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and negotiate a bilateral U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement.

Republican representatives Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania's 10th District led 22 Republican members of the House of Representatives in reintroducing the resolution.

The two congressmen first introduced the resolution together in 2021.

The resolution called on U.S. President Donald Trump to "abandon the antiquated 'One China Policy' in favor of a policy that recognizes the objective reality that Taiwan is an independent country not governed by or included within the territory of the People's Republic of China."

It also said Trump should recognize the legitimacy of Taiwan's democratically elected "National Government" and appoint an official U.S. ambassador to the island -- and to accept a Taiwanese counterpart in America.

The resolution also called on the U.S. representative to the United Nations and other officials to advocate for Taiwan's membership in the U.N. and other international bodies of which the United States is a member.

Additionally, the resolution went on to commend Taiwan for its "commitment to democracy, civil liberties and human rights."

The resolution also referenced several former U.S. presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

It said the U.S. and Taiwan had maintained normal diplomatic relations until "President Carter abruptly abandoned both without the approval of Congress in 1979" and that despite Reagan strengthening ties, "The United States has not altered its position regarding sovereignty over Taiwan."

Clinton was also quoted in the resolution as having previously declared "that the issues between Beijing and Taiwan must be resolved peacefully and with the assent of the people of Taiwan."

Both Republican lawmakers have a history of calling for stronger ties with Taiwan. In 2021 the pair recommended the U.S. support Taiwan's bid for U.N. membership.

The U.S. government switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 and has since maintained only unofficial diplomatic relations with Taiwan as defined by the Taiwan Relations Act.

According to the bill, the "one China" policy is obsolete, does not serve the people of Taiwan or the U.S. and fails to reflect the reality that Taiwan has been a sovereign and independent country for over 70 years.

As a concurrent resolution, if the bill passes both houses of Congress, it would only express the sense of Congress, not require the president's approval, and would not have the force of law.