Utah Valley Times

The Senate has unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution commending Taiwan for its commitment to democratic elections and institutions. The resolution, cosponsored by U.S. Senator Mitt Romney and led by Senators Dan Sullivan and Tim Kaine, comes ahead of Taiwan's upcoming presidential and legislative elections on January 13.

The resolution acknowledges Taiwan's history of democratic elections, highlighting that the country began transitioning to a liberal democracy in the late 1980s. It applauds Taiwan for holding multiple free, fair, and representative elections since the democratic transition. The resolution also recognizes the peaceful transfer of power between political parties in Taiwan, which is considered a bedrock of a free and stable political system.

Taiwan's democratic institutions, which guarantee freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and religion, are commended in the resolution. The citizens of Taiwan have successfully exercised these freedoms, resulting in a vibrant civil society, a strong media sector, and an advanced business community. The resolution emphasizes that these democratic values and institutions have contributed to Taiwan's prosperity and freedoms, which rank well above the global average.

In contrast, the resolution highlights the "dictatorship of the proletariat" experienced by the residents of the People's Republic of China. It underscores the longstanding partnership between the United States and Taiwan in standing against coercion, threats of war, and armed attacks from the People's Republic of China.

The resolution expresses concern about potential interference in Taiwan's 2024 elections by the Chinese Communist Party. However, it reaffirms the Senate's commitment to a strong partnership with Taiwan across diplomatic, information, military, economic, and cultural domains, regardless of the election outcome. The resolution also emphasizes the Senate's commitment to supporting Taiwan's self-defense and the liberty of its people through effective deterrence using all elements of United States power.

This bipartisan resolution sends a strong message of support for Taiwan's commitment to democracy and serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Taiwan.