Sens. Cruz, Sullivan, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Taiwan’s Commitment to Democracy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and a bipartisan coalition of their Senate colleagues, introduced a resolution in support of Taiwan’s commitment to democratic elections and institutions, despite ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This resolution of support has been introduced in advance of Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections set to occur on Saturday, January 13. Sen. Cruz continues to unambiguously stand with Taiwan in their aspirations for freedom and democracy by condemning CCP influence, as Communist China tries to strip Taiwan of its democracy.

Upon introducing the resolution, Sen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party is committed to undermining Taiwan’s democracy and its democratic institutions. They spend uncountable amounts of money on censorship, threats, and propaganda aimed at influencing and subverting the people of Taiwan. As Taiwan’s eighth presidential election approaches, now is the time for the United States to recommit to and deepen our commitment to support our ally.”

Cosponsors include U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (R-Md.), Steve Daines(R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

BACKGROUND:

Sen. Cruz has fought throughout his career in the Senate to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. He has secured and supported a variety of provisions in the FY2020, FY2019, and FY2018 NDAAs, which reaffirm and advance the United States’ support for Taiwan, called for the United States to transfer F-16s and conduct regular arms sales to Taiwan, and met with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. Sen. Cruz has also repeatedly warned allies to resist China’s attempts to isolate Taiwan, including Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Dominican Republic, and Panama.

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