The US House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs has passed resolution 494, “Affirming the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act”. The resolution was sponsored by committee chairman Ed Royce.
The resolution, passed on Tuesday, says that the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) remains in the interests of the United States 35 years after it was passed. The TRA is a 1979 act of congress establishing the framework for unofficial relations between the US and Taiwan after the US decided to switch diplomatic recognition to the People’s Republic of China.
Tuesday’s resolution reiterates the United States’ commitment to Taiwan’s defense and the maintenance of peace in the Taiwan Strait. The text of the resolution specifically expresses support for the continued sale of defensive weapons to Taiwan on the basis of the TRA.
The resolution says that the US is committed to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations. It also reaffirms US support for Taiwan’s democracy, as well as Taiwan’s efforts to join international organizations.
In Taipei, the foreign ministry responded on Wednesday by thanking the US House for passing the resolution.