U.S. Senators Propose Bill to Bolster Relations with Taiwan

Senators John Curtis, a Republican from Utah, and Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, have introduced new legislation in the U.S. Senate aimed at strengthening American engagement with Taiwan.

The proposed bill calls for the Senate to confirm the appointment of the director of the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as the United States’ unofficial embassy on the island. It also mandates the creation of an interagency task force dedicated to Taiwan policy. Furthermore, the legislation urges the U.S. government to actively advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations and to push for its full membership in such bodies.

The bill highlights the importance of enhancing trade and economic relations between the United States and Taiwan, as well as expanding bilateral security collaboration.

Among its provisions are proposals to invite Taiwan’s military to participate in joint and multilateral exercises and to establish ongoing consultations regarding the commercial transfer of military equipment to the island.

Previously, Senators Curtis and Merkley co-authored legislation targeting money laundering in Hong Kong and efforts to bypass U.S. sanctions and export restrictions through the Chinese special administrative region. That bill was introduced in the Senate earlier in April.

Taiwan’s Political Status

Since 1949, Taiwan has operated under its own government after nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek retreated there following defeat in the Chinese Civil War. The Chinese government in Beijing continues to regard Taiwan as a province of the People’s Republic of China.

The United States officially ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 in favor of recognizing the PRC, while still maintaining informal ties with the Taipei government. Although Washington adheres to a “One China” policy, it remains Taiwan’s primary supplier of defense equipment. According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the total value of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan has surpassed $70 billion over time.