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U.S. lawmakers introduce resolution commending Taiwan ahead of elections

ROC Central News Agency

01/11/2024 02:24 PM

Washington, Jan. 10 (CNA) Dozens of lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives introduced a bipartisan resolution Wednesday commending Taiwan for its commitment to democratic elections and institutions in the face of ongoing threats from China before election day on Jan. 13.

The resolution is led by Democrat Gerry Connolly and Ami Bera, and Republican Mario Diaz-Balart and Andy Barr, co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. It is sponsored by at least 35 representatives.

The House regards the democracy of Taiwan as a great strategic strength for the free world and an indispensable component of contemporary U.S.-Taiwan relations and remains concerned about China's interference in Taiwan's 2024 elections, according to the resolution.

The House is committed to continuing a strong partnership with Taiwan across diplomatic, information, military, economic, and cultural domains, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming elections, the resolution stated.

In a statement, Connolly said it was imperative that the U.S. stands in total solidarity with Taiwan and its commitment to democracy.

"In the face of relentless threats and intimidation from the People's Republic of China, Taiwan's leadership as a global leader in public health, advanced manufacturing, and democratic governance underscore the importance of protecting democratic institutions and rejecting authoritarianism at home and abroad," he said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Michael McCaul, one of the co-sponsors and chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ramps up disinformation about Taiwan, "democracies around the world must support Taiwan's democratic process."

"This resolution affirms Congress' support of Taiwan as a beacon of democracy in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwanese people's wishes," he added.

An identical resolution led by Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine is set to be introduced in the Senate on Thursday and has at least 35 sponsors.

In a statement, Sullivan said it's a "volatile and potentially dangerous time," and that between the Jan. 13 elections and the inauguration in May, the U.S. needs to show steady, unwavering commitment and resolve in support of Taiwan's democracy and to enhance cross-strait deterrence.

Sullivan stated that Taiwan is considered one of the freest countries in the world and that every Taiwan election threatens the central premise of the CCP.

"Millions of Chinese on the mainland will be watching Taiwan's upcoming election and asking the question, 'Why can't we do that?'" Sullivan said, adding that this was "a giant vulnerability for Xi Jinping."

Meanwhile, Kaine stated that Taiwan is a thriving democracy and one of the U.S. closest partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

In light of Taiwan's upcoming elections, the U.S. should "stand strong" in support of Taiwan's democratic institutions, and it's important that the Taiwanese people know that they have U.S. support, Kaine said.

The resolution sends a clear message that any interference by the CCP in the 2024 elections will not be tolerated, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to a continuing partnership with a free and democratic Taiwan, Kaine added.

(By Chiang Chin-yeh and Evelyn Yang)

Enditem/ASG