The passage of legislation by the U.S. Congress reaffirming support for Taiwan is deeply appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dec. 18.
 
Initiated by Sen. Cory Gardner and co-sponsored by 11 other members, the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018 cleared the Senate and House of Representatives Dec. 4 and Dec. 12, respectively. It serves as a framework to improve U.S. leadership in the region and demonstrate its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and rules-based international order.
 
In a dedicated section on Taiwan, the bill states that it is the policy of the U.S. to support the close economic, political and security relationship between the two sides and faithfully enforce all existing commitments consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances.
 
The act also urges the U.S. president to conduct regular transfers of defense articles and encourage visits by high-level officials in accordance with the Taiwan Travel Act.
 
In a separate section, the bill also recognizes the value of engagement between Taiwan and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states.
 
The MOFA welcomed the resolution and conveyed sincere gratitude to the U.S. Congress for its friendship and support. Given their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan stands ready and willing to work with the U.S., as well as other like-minded partners, in promoting regional peace, stability and prosperity, the ministry said.
 
In a tweet on her official Twitter account, President Tsai Ing-wen said she expects the act will “help foster greater collaboration in the #IndoPacific & ensure our shared values continue to shape the future of this region.”
 
According to the MOFA, this legislation is another example of strong bipartisan support for bolstering ties between the two sides following the passage earlier this year of the TTA. Taiwan will continue to work closely with the U.S. in deepening the robust partnership across the board, the ministry added.
 
Signed into law March 16, the TTA states that it should be the policy of the U.S. to authorize officials at all levels to travel to Taiwan to meet with their counterparts and allow high-level officials from Taiwan to enter the U.S. under conditions that demonstrate appropriate respect for the dignity of such officials. (SFC-E)
 
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