[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 6 (Thursday, January 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S95-S96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 521--COMMENDING TAIWAN FOR ITS HISTORY OF DEMOCRATIC 
 ELECTIONS, AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

  Mr. SULLIVAN (for himself, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Scott of South Carolina, 
Mr. Cramer, Mr. Coons, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Schmitt, Mr. Ricketts, Ms. 
Murkowski, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Budd, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Daines, 
Mr. Tillis, Mr. Young, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Romney, Ms. 
Duckworth, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Markey, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Scott 
of Florida, Mrs. Blackburn, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Warnock, Mr. 
Graham, Mrs. Britt, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Durbin, 
Ms. Cortez Masto, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Booker, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Marshall, 
Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Barrasso, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Lankford, 
Mr. Bennet, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hickenlooper, and Mr. Cotton) submitted 
the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 521

       Whereas Taiwan, the government of which officially calls 
     itself the Republic of China (ROC), began transitioning to a 
     liberal democracy in the late 1980s, lifting martial law in 
     1987 and holding the first direct legislative election in 
     1992 and the first direct presidential election in 1996;

[[Page S96]]

       Whereas Taiwan has now held 7 presidential, 9 legislative, 
     and many local elections since the democratic transition, all 
     of which were free, fair, and representative of the will of 
     the people of Taiwan;
       Whereas Taiwan has peacefully transferred presidential 
     power between political parties 3 times and peacefully 
     transferred parliamentary power between political parties 3 
     times;
       Whereas the peaceful transfer of power is a bedrock of a 
     free, stable, and representative political system;
       Whereas the democratic institutions of Taiwan codify the 
     freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and religion into law, 
     and the citizens of Taiwan have exercised these freedoms in 
     practice, building a vibrant civil society, strong 
     journalistic and media sector, and an advanced business 
     community;
       Whereas the rule of law and vibrant civil society, diverse 
     economy, and stable political system form the basis for the 
     prosperity and freedoms of Taiwan, which rank far above the 
     global average; and
       Whereas, on January 13, 2024, Taiwan will hold its eighth 
     presidential election and tenth legislative election since 
     beginning the transition to democracy, after which a new 
     president, vice president, and legislature will take office: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. SENSE OF THE SENATE.

       The Senate--
       (1) commends Taiwan for the example it has set for self-
     governance, not just for the Pacific region, but for the 
     world;
       (2) regards the democracy of Taiwan as a great strategic 
     strength for the free world and an indispensable component of 
     contemporary United States-Taiwan relations;
       (3) remains concerned about interference in Taiwan's 2024 
     elections by the Chinese Communist Party;
       (4) is committed to continuing a strong partnership across 
     diplomatic, information, economic, and cultural domains, 
     regardless of the outcome of Taiwan's 2024 elections; and
       (5) remains committed to United States policy as 
     established by the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8; 22 
     U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the Three Communiques, and the Six 
     Assurances towards Taiwan.

     SEC. 2. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

       Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an 
     authorization for the use of military force.

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