Walkinshaw, Fong Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating 30 Years of Taiwanese Democracy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election and reaffirming U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy. On March 23, 1996, the people of Taiwan held their first direct presidential election, marking a historic milestone in Taiwan’s democratic development. Since then, Taiwan has built one of the world’s most vibrant democracies and demonstrated the peaceful transfer of political power. The resolution comes as Taiwan faces growing military, economic, and political pressure from the People’s Republic of China. It commends the people of Taiwan for their resilience and recognizes Taiwan’s democracy as a key contributor to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. “Thirty years ago, the people of Taiwan made history by democratically electing their president for the first time. Since then, Taiwan has shown the world what a strong, resilient democracy looks like,” said Congressman Walkinshaw . “At a time when the People’s Republic of China is escalating its threats and intimidation, Congress must speak with moral clarity: the United States stands with the people of Taiwan, their democracy, their self-defense, and their right to live free from coercion.” "Thirty years after Taiwan's historic presidential election, its democracy remains a beacon of stability and peace in Asia - even as the Chinese Communist Party attempts to undermine its sovereignty ,” said Congressman Fong . “I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution to reaffirm that Taiwan and the United States remain trusted partners. We will continue to stand together against threats to our security, our economic prosperity, and the values that define our way of life." The Walkinshaw-Fong resolution reaffirms longstanding U.S. policy toward Taiwan, including the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Communiqués, and the Six Assurances. It also commends Taiwan for building and sustaining a robust democratic system. The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dave Min (CA-47), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Don Beyer (VA-08), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Darrell Issa (CA-48), Susie Lee (NV-03), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Keith Self (TX-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Ami Bera (CA-06). Read the resolution text here . ###