Expressing the opposition of the House of Representatives to the Chinese Communist Party's "stolen valor" historical revisionism with regards to Allied Victory in Asia, commemorating the contributions made by the Republic of China to Allied Victory, and acknowledging the postwar contributions of the Government of Japan to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
H. Res. 689 is a nonbinding House resolution introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Smith (and co-sponsors) expressing strong opposition to what it calls the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) “stolen valor” historical revisionism regarding Allied Victory in Asia. The resolution commends the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its wartime contributions to Allied victory, recognizes the postwar contributions of Japan to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and urges U.S. government action to counter CCP propaganda. It also endorses efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s international diplomatic standing consistent with the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement (TAIPEI) Act of 2019. The measure is intended to influence public diplomacy, education, and international engagement, but it is not a law and does not directly change policy or authorize funding.
Key Points
- 1Opposes CCP historical revisionism and its “stolen valor” narrative re Allied Victory in Asia, arguing the ROC and U.S. forces bore a major share of the fighting against Japan.
- 2Commemorates the wartime contributions of the Republic of China (ROC), including specific references to ROC leadership, American volunteers (Flying Tigers), and ROC signatories to the Japanese Instrument of Surrender.
- 3Calls on the U.S. Government to counter CCP propaganda through public diplomacy and media outreach, and to influence international bodies (notably the UN) to resist CCP distortions of history and to reference UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971).
- 4Exhorts education authorities to ensure history teaching about World War II allies is accurate and to guard against CCP propaganda narratives.
- 5Recognizes postwar cooperation with Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and other partners in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and supports Taiwan’s diplomatic engagement under the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement (TAIPEI) Act of 2019.