U.S. Senators Propose Sanctions Bill to Support Taiwan
Two U.S. Senators have introduced a new bill aimed at protecting Taiwan from potential military aggression by China. Senators Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, and Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, presented the proposed legislation on July 25, 2024. Their bill is called the Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighbouring Democracies with Taiwan Act of 2024, or the STAND with Taiwan Act for short.
The STAND with Taiwan Act is designed to impose severe sanctions on China if it launches a military invasion of Taiwan. According to the bill, these sanctions would cover a wide range of economic and financial areas. They would target Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members, Chinese financial institutions, and major industrial sectors in China. The bill also aims to prevent U.S. financial institutions and investment companies from making investments in Chinese entities that are affiliated with or benefit the CCP.
In addition to financial sanctions, the bill proposes restrictions on importing goods produced in China into the United States. This is intended to put additional pressure on China and deter any aggressive actions toward Taiwan.
Senator Dan Sullivan emphasized the importance of a strong, bipartisan commitment to support Taiwan. He stated that in these uncertain times, it is crucial for America to demonstrate its unwavering support for Taiwan’s democracy. Sullivan’s comments reflect a broader concern about rising tensions in the region and the need for a clear stance against any potential threats.
Senator Tammy Duckworth also expressed the significance of this legislation. She highlighted the role of the U.S. as a global leader and the need to show support for Taiwan, which faces increasing threats from China. Duckworth asserted that the bill would send a strong message of solidarity to Taiwan and signal to competitors that the U.S. will not tolerate unilateral aggression that threatens democratic allies and global stability.
The bill defines a “military invasion” in several ways, including amphibious landings, airborne operations, aerial bombardments, blockades, missile attacks, and other forms of military aggression against Taiwan or its controlled territories.
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This is not the first time Sullivan has introduced such legislation. He previously proposed a similar bill in 2022, but it did not progress beyond the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. With the introduction of the STAND with Taiwan Act of 2024, there is renewed hope that Congress will take further action.
During a recent visit to Taiwan in May, Senators Sullivan and Duckworth met with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office in Taipei. Their visit underscored their commitment to supporting Taiwan and highlighted the strong ties between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed gratitude to the American senators for their ongoing support. MOFA spokesperson Jeff Liu indicated that the ministry will closely follow the progress of the legislation and continue to strengthen the partnership between Taiwan and the U.S.
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