Senators introduce legislation to strengthen Taiwan’s global standing

U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced legislation this week that demands a U.S. strategy to bolster Taiwan’s diplomatic standing around the world.

The Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) is a response, they said, to several nations severing diplomatic ties with the tiny country. The senators want to see the State Department downgrade U.S. relations with any government that does so and to suspend or alter U.S. foreign assistance to these nations.

“This important legislation reaffirms our commitment to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and allows for the State Department to take diplomatic action against governments that alter diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of China,” Rubio said. “China’s insidious agenda to isolate Taiwan cannot go unanswered, and I call on my colleagues to quickly pass this bill.”

Menendez went further, calling China’s latest efforts predatory.

“As Taiwan’s closest international partner, the United States must not waiver on our enduring commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Taiwan, to their security through diplomacy, and to their ability to defend and protect their future,” Menendez said. “As China continues its quest for dominance through predatory diplomatic and economic practices, this new legislation serves as a recommitment by the United States Congress to a comprehensive, durable and mutually beneficial US-Taiwan relationship and partnership and affirmation of Taiwan’s place in the international community.”