US Lawmakers Urge Trump to Recognize Taiwan, End One China Policy.
US lawmakers have intensified their call for President Donald Trump to abandon the One China policy and formally recognize Taiwan as an independent nation. Representative Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin and Representative Scott Perry from Pennsylvania have introduced a proposal urging the United States to end its long-standing stance on China-Taiwan relations and return to direct diplomatic engagement with Taipei. The lawmakers also called for negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement between the US and Taiwan to further strengthen economic ties.
Growing Republican support for Taiwan recognition
Initially introduced in 2021, the proposal has now gained significant backing, with 22 Republican lawmakers supporting the motion. The resolution explicitly calls on President Trump to reject the idea that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory and instead embrace a policy recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation. If adopted, this shift would represent a dramatic departure from the current US stance, which acknowledges Beijing’s claim over Taiwan while maintaining unofficial relations with Taipei.
The lawmakers argue that Taiwan functions as a sovereign and democratically governed state that should not be considered under Chinese rule. They believe the US should officially recognize Taiwan’s elected government, appoint an official US ambassador to Taiwan, and formally accept a Taiwanese ambassador in Washington.
Pressure on the US to advocate for Taiwan at the UN
The resolution also calls on the United Nations and other international organizations to support Taiwan’s participation on the global stage. Taiwan has long been excluded from major global bodies such as the UN and the World Health Organization (WHO) due to Beijing’s diplomatic influence. US representatives backing this resolution argue that Taiwan deserves full recognition and a place in the international community, given its commitment to democratic values, human rights, and civic responsibility.
Historical context: US-Taiwan relations over the decades
The resolution outlines the history of US-Taiwan relations, highlighting key decisions made by past American presidents. Until 1979, the United States maintained formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, then-President Jimmy Carter severed official ties with Taipei and instead established diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This marked a major turning point, aligning Washington with Beijing while relegating Taiwan to unofficial status.
Following Carter’s decision, President Ronald Reagan sought to rebuild US-Taiwan relations, strengthening ties through military and economic cooperation. Despite these efforts, Washington did not officially reverse its position on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
The resolution also references former President Bill Clinton, who stated that any issue between Beijing and Taiwan should be resolved peacefully and with the consent of the Taiwanese people. The lawmakers argue that this principle should be at the heart of future US policy toward Taiwan.
Taiwan’s growing global support amid China’s aggression
The call to recognize Taiwan comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and Taiwan. Beijing has increased military pressure on Taipei, including regular airspace incursions and naval exercises around the island. In response, many Western nations have strengthened ties with Taiwan, recognizing its strategic importance in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The United States, Japan, and several European nations have shown growing support for Taiwan by increasing diplomatic engagements and enhancing military cooperation. Washington has also expanded arms sales to Taipei, providing it with advanced defense systems to counter potential threats from Beijing.
Republican lawmakers push for US-Taiwan free trade agreement
Apart from diplomatic recognition, Representatives Tom Tiffany and Scott Perry have emphasized the need for a US-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement. They have urged the government to start negotiations with Taipei to deepen economic ties and reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains.
The push for a trade deal aligns with previous efforts by the House of Representatives in 2021, when lawmakers called on the Biden administration to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and promote economic cooperation. The proposal’s backers argue that formalizing trade agreements with Taiwan will not only strengthen economic security but also counter China’s growing influence in the global market.
China’s reaction to US-Taiwan relations
China has repeatedly warned against any moves by the US to recognize Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has vowed to reunify it with the mainland, by force if necessary. The Chinese government has reacted sharply to previous US-Taiwan engagements, imposing sanctions on American defense companies supplying weapons to Taiwan and conducting large-scale military exercises near the island.
Chinese officials have also urged Washington to adhere to the One China principle, warning that any move to formally recognize Taiwan would have severe diplomatic and economic consequences. Beijing has frequently accused the US of interfering in its internal affairs and has pressured other countries to sever diplomatic ties with Taipei.
Implications of US recognition of Taiwan
If President Trump were to officially recognize Taiwan, it would fundamentally alter US-China relations, potentially leading to:
- Increased US-China tensions – Beijing may respond with economic sanctions, military provocations, or diplomatic isolation.
- Greater US-Taiwan cooperation – Taiwan could gain stronger security guarantees and deeper trade partnerships.
- Global repercussions – Other countries may be forced to choose sides between the US and China on the Taiwan issue.
- Potential conflict escalation – China may increase military activity near Taiwan, raising concerns over a possible confrontation.
A turning point in US-Taiwan policy?
The renewed push by US lawmakers to recognize Taiwan as an independent country highlights a shifting stance on China policy. While the One China policy has been the foundation of US-China relations for decades, growing bipartisan support for Taiwan’s sovereignty signals a potential change in Washington’s approach.
The decision now lies with President Trump and his administration on whether to pursue formal recognition of Taiwan. As China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan, the world watches closely to see whether the United States will take a bold step in reshaping its Taiwan policy.
For now, the future of US-Taiwan relations remains uncertain, but this latest resolution underscores the growing demand for a reevaluation of America’s commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty.
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