U.S. senators introduce bill to prevent changes to 'Six Assurances'

Washington, Nov. 20 (CNA) Two U.S. senators on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill to codify the "Six Assurances" as a cornerstone of U.S. policy toward Taiwan and prevent any unilateral changes to America's longstanding position without congressional review.

The "Six Assurances to Taiwan Act," proposed by Republican John Curtis and Democrat Jeff Merkley, would give the assurances the full force of law, ensuring Congress must review any attempt to alter them.

The bill, submitted for review by a Senate committee, is identical to a companion bill introduced by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and several other lawmakers that was approved by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.

It reaffirms that maintaining the Six Assurances is in the national, economic, and security interest of the United States and contributes to peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Under the measure, any U.S. administration must notify Congress and provide a full justification if it takes action to alter arms sales, revise longstanding policy, or pressure Taiwan into negotiations.

It also stipulates that no such action may proceed until Congress has had up to 60 days to review and potentially block it through a joint resolution of disapproval.

"Our bipartisan bill codifies a cornerstone of U.S. policy toward Taiwan -- ensuring no administration can back away from this commitment behind closed doors," Merkley said in a statement issued by his office.

It "sends the strong message that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle will not stand for any efforts that undermine this essential partnership," Merkley said.

First issued under President Ronald Reagan, the Six Assurances stipulate that the United States has not agreed to set a deadline for ending arms sales to Taiwan, consult with China on such sales, or revise the Taiwan Relations Act, which underpins U.S. policy toward Taiwan.

They also state that Washington will not mediate between Taipei and Beijing and has not changed its position on Taiwan's sovereignty.

"Republicans and Democrats agree that the United States must reinforce our long-standing support for Taiwan," Merkley said.

Curtis, meanwhile, said the Six Assurances have been a cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan policy since President Reagan first outlined them in 1982.

"My bill simply codifies these longstanding commitments, so they carry the full weight of law. As Beijing escalates its pressure campaign, this is about clarity, deterrence, and showing Taiwan that America's support is principled, bipartisan, and enduring," Curtis said.