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U.S. lawmakers introduce bill to rename Taiwan's office in Washington

ROC Central News Agency

05/13/2023 07:59 PM

Taipei, May 13 (CNA) Three United States lawmakers recently reintroduced a bipartisan and bicameral bill, which seeks to rename the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the U.S., Taiwan's de-facto embassy in Washington, the "Taiwan Representative Office."

The "Taiwan Representative Office Act" was introduced to the U.S. Senate by Senator Marco Rubio, while companion legislation was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Republican and Democratic lawmakers John Curtis and Chris Pappas.

According to a press release issued by Rubio's office on Wednesday, the legislation would direct the U.S. Secretary of State to seek to enter into negotiations with TECRO in the U.S. to rename its office the "Taiwan Representative Office."

The bill, however, noted that it should not be interpreted as restoration of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Republic of China (Taiwan), Taiwan's official name, or that the country has altered its position with respect to the international status of Taiwan.

"Taiwan is an indispensable partner and an exemplary beacon of democracy in the Indo-Pacific region. I can think of no better way to recognize Taiwan's contributions to global stability than by renaming their office in Washington, D.C., the seat of American democracy, to better reflect its actual purpose," Rubio was quoted as saying in the release.

"The U.S. must make clear that, despite all efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to intimidate and coerce Taiwan, hostile powers have no right to claim sovereignty over democratic countries," he added.

In a separate statement Wednesday, Curtis said it has been long overdue "to correctly name the de facto embassy of our longtime friend and ally, Taiwan, as the Taiwan Representative Office."

The Republican lawmaker said the U.S. should not tolerate pressure from China to undermine the sovereignty of the Taiwanese people.

"America should stand by our democratic allies, and always stand with our friends around the world facing pressure and coercion from authoritarian regimes," he added.

A similar proposal seeking to rename Taiwan's representative office in the U.S. was initially included in the Taiwan Policy Act, which was introduced by Democratic Senator Bob Menendez to Congress early last year, but the bill did not make it to the floor vote before the end of the congressional term.

(By Stacy Hsu and Ko Lin)

Enditem/AW