On Eve of Taiwan Elections, Senate Approves Bipartisan Resolution Commending Taiwan’s Commitment to Democracy

WASHINGTON—Today, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), which was led by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), commending Taiwan for its commitment to democratic elections and institutions, despite ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. This resolution comes prior to Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections set to occur on Saturday, January 13.

The resolution’s cosponsors also include Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Budd (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (R-MD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

The text of the resolution can be found below:

Commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and expressing support of Taiwan in the preservation of its democratic institutions.

Whereas Taiwan, the government of which officially calls itself the Republic of China (ROC), began transitioning to a liberal democracy in the late 1980s, lifting martial law in 1987 and holding the first direct legislative election in 1992 and the first direct presidential election in 1996;

Whereas Taiwan has now held 7 presidential, 9 legislative, and many local elections since the democratic transition, all of which were free, fair, and representative of the will of the people of Taiwan;

Whereas Taiwan has peacefully transferred presidential power between political parties 3 times and peacefully transferred parliamentary power between political parties 3 times;

Whereas the peaceful transfer of power is a bedrock of a free, stable, and representative political system; Whereas the democratic institutions of Taiwan codify the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and religion into law, and the citizens of Taiwan have exercised these freedoms in practice, building a vibrant civil society, strong journalistic and media sector, and an advanced business community;

Whereas the rule of law and vibrant civil society, diverse economy, and stable political system form the basis for the prosperity and freedoms of Taiwan, which rank far above the global average;

Whereas the liberty enjoyed by the residents of Taiwan stands in stark contrast to the ‘‘dictatorship of the proletariat’’ experienced by the residents of the People’s Republic of China;

Whereas, from 1949 until today, the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan have stood as partners against coercion, threats of war, and armed attacks from the People’s Republic of China; and

Whereas, on January 13, 2024, Taiwan will hold its eighth presidential election and tenth legislative election since beginning the transition to democracy, after which a new president, vice president, and legislature will take office: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) commends Taiwan for the example it has set for self-governance, not just for the Pacific region, but for the world;

(2) regards the democracy of Taiwan as a great strategic strength for the free world and an indispensable component of contemporary United States-Taiwan relations;

(3) remains concerned about interference in Taiwan’s 2024 elections by the Chinese Communist Party;

(4) is committed to continuing a strong partnership across diplomatic, information, military, economic, and cultural domains, regardless of the outcome of Taiwan’s 2024 elections; and

(5) is committed to supporting Taiwan’s self-defense and the liberty of its people through effective deterrence using all elements of United States power.