WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, joined Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in backing a bipartisan resolution recognizing the strength of Taiwan’s democracy amid ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Taiwan will hold its presidential and legislative elections this Saturday, January 13.
“For decades, Taiwan has served as a shining beacon of democracy in the Indo-Pacific.” Grassley said. “Taiwan enjoys a robust civic and economic relationship with the United States and is a key partner in promoting stability within the South China Sea. As Xi Jinping continues to take coercive measures against Taiwan, the United States must remain steadfast in our support for the Taiwanese people and their vibrant democracy.”
“This is a volatile and potentially dangerous time,” Sullivan said. “Between the election on January 13 and the inauguration in May, the United States needs to show steady, unwavering commitment and resolve in support of Taiwan’s democracy and — critically — we need to enhance cross-strait deterrence now. This will be Taiwan’s eighth presidential election. In my own career, I deployed as part of a Marine Corps task force on the eve of China’s first presidential election when Beijing was threatening to invade Taiwan and shooting missiles over the island.”
“Taiwan is a thriving democracy and one of our closest partners in the Indo-Pacific region. In light of Taiwan’s upcoming elections, the U.S. should stand strong in support of Taiwan’s democratic institutions, and it’s important that the Taiwanese people know that they have our support. This resolution sends a clear message that any interference by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the 2024 elections will not be tolerated and reaffirms our commitment to a continuing partnership with a free and democratic Taiwan,” Kaine said.
A full list of sponsors is available HERE, and text of the resolution, HERE.
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