Washington, DC July 30:
In the event that China launches an attack on Taiwan, two senators from the US Senate's Armed Services Committee have put out a bipartisan measure that would subject the Chinese government to a variety of sanctions, according to Focus Taiwan.The measure threatens to censure China in the event that the country launches "a military invasion of Taiwan."
On July 25, Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) presented the STAND with Taiwan Act of 2024, which stands for Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies with Taiwan.In a news statement issued on July 26 by Sullivan's office, it was said that the proposed law "would impose devastating, comprehensive economic, energy, financial, and other sanctions on China in the event that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) initiates military aggression against Taiwan."
The sanctions would aim at "Chinese Communist Party members and Chinese financial institutions and industrial sectors, as well as prohibiting US financial institutions, including investment companies, from making any investments in a Chinese entity that benefits or is affiliated with the CCP," according to the announcement.According to Focus Taiwan, the law will further limit the entry of Chinese-made items into the US.
"In these increasingly dangerous times, it is critical that America show steady, unwavering bipartisan commitment and resolve in support of Taiwan's democracy," stated Sullivan.Taiwan is facing increasing threats from China, and it is crucial for the US to demonstrate its support as a global leader, according to Tammy Duckworth. "With this legislation, we're sending a strong message to our partner [Taiwan] and our competitors that we are here for long haul -- and we won't tolerate the kind of unilateral aggression that would endanger a democratic friend and the health and stability of the global economy," said the president.
As stated in the bill's draft, the STAND with Taiwan Act, if approved, would "require the imposition of sanctions with respect to the People's Republic of China if the People's Liberation Army initiates a military invasion of Taiwan." Within the scope of this bill, "military invasion" is defined as follows: amphibious landings, airborne operations, aerial bombardments or blockades, missile attacks, naval bombardments or blockades, or "attack on any territory controlled or administered by the Government of Taiwan, including offshore islands."
During their May visit to Taiwan, the two senators met with President Lai Ching-te (Lai Qing De) at the Presidential Office in Taipei, according to Focus Taiwan, as part of the US Congressional delegation.The STAND with Taiwan Act, however, was sponsored by Sullivan in 2022.
Although Congress did refer the measure to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, they did not do anything more with it.
Tuesday morning, Taiwan's MOFA extended gratitude to the two US senators for their ongoing support and for introducing the STAND with Taiwan Act of 2024. Representative Jeff Liu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that the agency will keep a careful eye on the bill's development and "continue to work closely with friends from all walks of life in the United States on the basis of the robust friendship between Taiwan and the US."
