US Senators from both sides of the aisle introduced a legislation to discourage remaining Taiwan allies from switching diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China.
The bill introduced by Republican Senators Cory Gardner, Marco Rubio and Democrats Ed Markey and Bob Menendez, is aimed at defending Taiwan which in recent months lost 3 of its allies to China.
“This legislation is intended to strengthen Taiwan’s standing around the world and comes in response to several nations breaking official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, due to Chinese pressure and bullying tactics,” stated the press release issued on Senator Gardner’s website.
El Salvador is the latest country to switch from Taiwan to China last month leaving Taiwan with 17 remaining diplomatic allies, including Palau.
The bill would allow United States government to “downgrade the diplomatic relationships” with countries that switch to China, expressed Senator Gardner.
According to the press release, it also authorizes US Department of State “to suspend or alter U.S. foreign assistance, including foreign military financing, to governments that take adverse actions with regard to Taiwan.”
The bill titled Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act was introduced this Monday. (L.N. Reklai)