U.S. Congress (data photo) What is the main content of the
bill?
This bill has several key points worthy of our attention:
First, in the military field, the United States will give Taiwan the status of "mainly non- NATO allies" to allow Taiwan to receive special treatment in military and economic terms; secondly, according to the provisions before the bill submitted for trial, the United States promises to provide Taiwan with US$4.5 billion in security assistance and US$2 billion in loan guarantee authorization within four years to accelerate Taiwan's military power modernization. The third is to establish a cooperation mechanism for military training between the United States and Taiwan, including military promotion and military exercises, and enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities.
In the field of foreign affairs, the content of the bill also promoted the rename of the "representative agency in the United States" of the Taiwan authorities to the "Taiwan Representative Office", and supported Taiwan to join international organizations, and even included Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific economic framework. The US Secretary of State must abolish any rules that restrict the interaction between the US and Taiwan within 90 days of the bill's entry into force. The US side's move is a disguised desire to treat Taiwan in the same way as a diplomatic state.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken
The significance and harm of the bill
This bill has two key points: First, this shows that the United States' policy toward Taiwan will become clearer. The new bill removes many existing twists and code words to avoid angering mainland China by suggesting recognition of Taiwan. However, the bill also specifically points out that the United States still does not recognize Taiwan's sovereignty. This law should not be understood as the United States' restoration of formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, nor does it mean that the U.S. government's position on Taiwan's international status is changed.
Second, this does not mean that the US politics against Taiwan will be clear. Americans themselves are actually worried about China's reaction, and are worried that the situation in the Taiwan Strait will be out of control, including Republican Senator Romney and others. But supporters of the bill believe that judging from the lessons learned from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the United States' unclear statement will instead increase the risk of war.
U.S. Senate Foreign Committee Chairman Bob Menendez
U.S. Senate Foreign Committee Chairman and Democratic Senate Bob Menendez who is located in Boe Menendez declared: "The United States is not seeking to provoke war or intensify tensions with Beijing, but on the contrary. The United States is cautious in strategically reducing the existential threat faced by Taiwan and increasing the cost of seized islands by force, making it too risky and unrealized."
U.S. Politician News reported that although the "Taiwan Policy Act" has received support from both parties, it also faces opposition. Republican Congressman Paul (Rand Paul) believes that this law has taken the United States from "strategic ambiguity" to "strategic clarity" and may even overturn the United States' one-China policy; "It is not the time to significantly change long-term policies without carefully considering possible consequences."
Tsai Ing-wen visits soldiers at a military base in New Taipei City, Taiwan
The future of the bill is still bleak and unclear
Next, the "Taiwan Policy Act" still needs to be passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and then sent to US President Biden for signature. However, the future of the bill is still bleak, and it is difficult to say whether Biden signed it. In the US Congress, many bills launched by lawmakers will end in vain, and many bills will continue to advance in the legislative process, but will be added to some amendments, causing major changes to the original version.
However, even if the "Taiwan Policy Act 2022" is not passed in this Congress, some of the substantive contents, such as security assistance, will be split into other bills, such as the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
One China principle is the political foundation of Sino-US relations. If the case continues to be reviewed and promoted, once the law is passed, it will affect the political foundation of Sino-US relations and have adverse consequences for Sino-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait . We must also continue to pay attention to the progress and final results of the case, take all necessary measures, strive to "fight without breaking", and pay attention not to follow the other party's rhythm.China and the United States have been playing games for many years, but have not completely broken up until now. It is not only because of China's strength, but also the United States has its own plans. It will not be much beneficial to the United States if it turns against China. Instead, it will cause trouble and both sides will suffer.
