The U.S. House of Representatives on July 25 approved legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) that would counter China’s attempts to exclude Taiwan from participating in international organizations. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
“The passage of the Taiwan International Solidarity Act is a significant step in reaffirming our commitment to Taiwan and in opposing attempts by the People’s Republic of China to use international organizations to distort Taiwan’s status,” Rep. Curtis said.
The congressman on Feb. 24 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act, H.R. 1176, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and six other original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
If enacted, H.R. 1176 would amend the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019 to provide that the United States, as a member of any international organizations, should oppose any attempts by the People’s Republic of China to resolve Taiwan’s status by distorting the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of the organization, according to the bill’s text.
“Building on my TAIPEI Act, this bipartisan legislation stands strong in support of Taiwan’s rightful place on the global stage,” said Rep. Curtis.
Rep. Connolly noted that China for too long has distorted policies and procedures at international organizations to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, often to the detriment of global health and security efforts.
“This bipartisan legislation ensures that we stand against Beijing’s weaponization of international organizations and in solidarity with the wishes and best interests of the people on Taiwan,” he said. “I’ve been proud to partner with Rep. Curtis on this effort and I look forward to continuing to work together to get this important legislation signed into law.”