U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) last week signed on as the lead original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation that would counter attempts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to exclude Taiwan from participating in international organizations.
“Beijing continues to do all it can to isolate Taiwan from the outside world and silence Taiwan’s voice on the world stage,” Rep. Kim said on Monday. “Taiwan has a track record of success in democracy and global health security, and its perspective deserves to be heard.”
The Taiwan International Solidarity Act, H.R. 2416, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), 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 PRC to resolve Taiwan’s status by distorting the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of the organization, according to the text of the bill.
“The Taiwan International Solidarity Act helps the United States demonstrate through meaningful action our support for Taiwan’s status in international organizations,” said Rep. Kim. “Taiwan’s participation in global conversation is the world’s gain.”
H.R. 2416 also would clarify that U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not preclude the U.S. from using its vote, voice, and influence to resist the reckless campaign against Taiwan’s place on the world stage, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers, and it would encourage the U.S. to work with allies and partners to oppose the PRC’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally.
Additionally, H.R. 2416 would expand reporting requirements to include information related to any prior or ongoing attempts by the PRC to undermine Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, as well as its ties and relationships with other countries, the summary says.
“This bipartisan legislation ensures that we stand … with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan,” said Rep. Connolly.
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is among the six other original cosponsors who joined Rep. Kim in introducing the bill.