America Supports Taiwan Act
The America Supports Taiwan Act, as introduced in the 119th Congress, would require U.S. federal agencies to refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan” rather than “Chinese Taipei” in most contexts. The bill frames this change as part of a broader commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense and to resolving cross-Strait differences peacefully, free from coercion. It also includes a short deadline for agencies to update their websites to reflect the new nomenclature, with two narrow exceptions: (a) when discussing historical context related to China’s attempts to influence Taiwan, and (b) when an agency is working with an international organization where Taiwan participates under a different official name. The bill lays out findings about the PRC’s stance toward Taiwan, its military activities, and the symbolic implications of the term “Chinese Taipei” versus “Taiwan,” and it reaffirms support for Taiwan in line with the Taiwan Relations Act. Potential impact includes standardized U.S. government language across public-facing materials, potential signaling to allies and adversaries about U.S. stance toward Taiwan, and additional administrative work for agencies to adjust websites and communications. It could contribute to heightened sensitivities in U.S.-China diplomacy and affect how Taiwan is referenced in international forums where naming conventions are contested.
Key Points
- 1The main provision requires each federal agency to use the term “Taiwan” instead of “Chinese Taipei” in most official communications, with two specific exceptions.
- 2Exceptions:
- 3- (1) When providing historical context about China’s attempts to influence Taiwan through persuasion and coercion.
- 4- (2) When an agency is engaged with an international organization in which Taiwan participates under a different official name.
- 5Agencies must update their websites to comply with the new naming requirement within 14 days of enactment.
- 6The bill cites findings about the PRC’s claims of sovereignty, military activity near Taiwan, and the symbolic impact of terminology, and it emphasizes U.S. commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act to support Taiwan’s self-defense and security.
- 7The act ties the naming change to broader U.S. policy to resolve cross-Strait differences peacefully and to avoid connotations of PRC possession implied by “Chinese Taipei.”