The Daily Signal
Date: May 10, 2019
By: Anthony B. Kim

Since passage of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, the U.S. and Taiwan have grown closer as Pacific partners. (Photo: Roberto Galan/Getty Images)

The Senate last week passed a bipartisan resolution by unanimous consent that reaffirms America’s commitment to Taiwan and to the Taiwan Relations Act.

The Taiwan Relations Act, passed in 1979, set up a unique relationship with Taiwan whereby the U.S. engaged Taiwan politically and economically. China has claimed Taiwan as its own territory since Taiwan became a republic in 1947.

The April 30 resolution, which “urges the president to explore opportunities to expand and deepen bilateral economic and trade relations with Taiwan,” was submitted by Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy. Co-sponsors were Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Ed Markey, D-Mass.

Passage of the resolution was a timely act of Congress, as this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.    [FULL  STORY]