118th CONGRESS 2d Session |
Commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and expressing support of Taiwan's democratic institutions.
January 11, 2024
Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Scott of South Carolina, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Coons, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Schmitt, Mr. Ricketts, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Budd, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Daines, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Young, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Romney, Ms. Duckworth, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Markey, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mrs. Blackburn, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Graham, Mrs. Britt, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Durbin, Ms. Cortez Masto, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Booker, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Marshall, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Barrasso, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hickenlooper, and Mr. Cotton) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and expressing support of Taiwan's 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; 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,
SECTION 1. Sense of the Senate.
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, economic, and cultural domains, regardless of the outcome of Taiwan’s 2024 elections; and
(5) remains committed to United States policy as established by the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the Three Communiqués, and the Six Assurances towards Taiwan.
Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization for the use of military force.