Crapo Joins Resolution to Commend Taiwan’s Commitment to Democracy
Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tim Kaine (D-Virgina) in introducing a bipartisan resolution commending Taiwan for its commitment to democratic elections and institutions, despite ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. This resolution comes prior to Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections set to occur on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
“Supporting ties with Taiwan and its vibrant democracy is in Idaho’s, and our nation’s, best interests,” said Crapo. “Taiwan is Idaho’s second largest trade partner. China’s increasing efforts to militarily overwhelm Taiwan is a threat to international diplomacy, regional security and economic prosperity. It is more important than ever to honor our commitments to defend our allies and diplomatic partners like Taiwan by showing our support for the practice and continuation of their democracy.”
“This is a volatile and potentially dangerous time,” said Sullivan. “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. Today, Taiwan is considered one of the freest countries in the world. Every Taiwan election threatens the central premise of the Chinese Communist Party—that one dictator ruling in perpetuity knows what’s best for 1.4 billion people. Millions of Chinese on the mainland will be watching Taiwan’s upcoming election and asking the question, ‘Why can’t we do that?’ This is a giant vulnerability for Xi Jinping.”
“Taiwan is a thriving democracy and one of our closest partners in the Indo-Pacific region” said Kaine. “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.”
The resolution’s co-sponsors include Senators Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nevada), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona) and Cory Booker (D-New Jersey).
Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida), Ami Bera (D-California) and Andy Barr (R-Kentucky) plan to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
