U.S. representatives introduce bill to codify 'Six Assurances'

Washington, May 15 (CNA) A bipartisan group of United States representatives has introduced a bill to codify the "Six Assurances" as official U.S. policy.

The Six Assurances to Taiwan Act, introduced Thursday by Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and five co-sponsors, would also require Congressional approval for any future attempts to alter the guarantees.

The Six Assurances, which were given by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan to Taiwan in 1982, include pledges not to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, not to hold prior consultations with China regarding arms sales to Taiwan, and not to play a mediation role between Taiwan and China.

They also include assurances that the U.S. will not revise the Taiwan Relations Act, not take a position on the issue of sovereignty over Taiwan, and not pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with China.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Democratic members of the House Select Committee on the CCP noted that the Six Assurances have been reaffirmed by every U.S. administration since Reagan.

The assurances are referenced in multiple laws and serve as a "cornerstone" of U.S. policy toward Taiwan and a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific, but have not been formally enshrined in U.S. statute, the statement said.

"Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and a critical partner to the United States, and it deserves clarity and certainty when it comes to our commitments," Krishnamoorthi, the committee's ranking member, was quoted as saying in the release.

"By codifying the Six Assurances, this bill sends a clear, bipartisan message: we will stand firm against coercion, support peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and ensure that U.S. policy remains consistent, principled and rooted in law," Krishnamoorthi said.

The bill was co-signed by representatives Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Young Kim (R-CA) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY).

If the bill advances through the House, it would also need to be passed by the Senate and signed by the president to become law.