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S 3018119th CongressIn Committee

A bill to permit visiting dignitaries and service members from Taiwan to display the flag of the Republic of China.

Introduced: Oct 20, 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (R-Texas)
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This Senate bill would require the Secretaries of State and Defense to permit visiting dignitaries and United States military personnel who are from the Republic of China (Taiwan) or are representatives of TECRO (the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office) to display symbols of ROC sovereignty, specifically the ROC flag and corresponding military emblems, for official purposes. These official purposes include wearing ROC uniforms, conducting government-hosted ceremonies or functions, and appearances on Department of State and Department of Defense social media accounts promoting engagements with Taiwan. In short, the bill creates a formal pathway to publicly display ROC symbols in certain official U.S. contexts, signaling greater visibility for Taiwan-related representation in U.S. government channels.

Key Points

  • 1The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense shall permit ROC-affiliated individuals (Taiwanese service members and government representatives, including TECRO) to display ROC symbols.
  • 2Authorized symbols include the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the corresponding military unit emblems or insignia.
  • 3Permitted for official purposes only: wearing official ROC uniforms, conducting government-hosted ceremonies or functions, and appearances on DOS/DoD social media accounts that promote engagements with Taiwan.
  • 4The authority to permit these displays rests with the two Secretaries, suggesting administrative guidance and potential policy updates within DoS/DoD.
  • 5TECRO and ROC personnel in the U.S. would have enhanced opportunities to publicly display ROC sovereignty in official venues and communications.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected:- Visiting dignitaries and ROC military/government representatives (including TECRO personnel) in the United States, and U.S. DoS/DoD handling of official engagements with Taiwan.Secondary group/area affected:- U.S. diplomatic messaging and public diplomacy efforts related to Taiwan; U.S.-Taiwan engagements as presented on official channels.Additional impacts:- Cross-strait diplomacy considerations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), who views ROC symbols differently; potential signaling effects on U.S.-China-Taiwan relations.- Possible changes to internal DoS/DoD policies and guidance regarding foreign insignia and display in official capacities; potential needs for procedures, approvals, and briefing materials.
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