The US House of Representatives passed an act on Monday that reaffirms the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act and authorizes the sale of naval vessels to Taiwan. The legislation, H.R.3470, authorizes the transfer by sale of four Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates to Taiwan.
The act was introduced by Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and comes after the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). The TRA affirmed the expectation that Taiwan’s future will be decided by peaceful means. It also established the US policy of providing Taiwan with defensive arms and promoting extensive commercial, cultural, and other relations with Taiwan.
Royce said the act passed on Monday reaffirms the US commitment to Taiwan. It also stresses the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, and deepening U.S.-Taiwan trade and security relations. He said it also will strengthen Taiwan’s defense.
The act will now head to the Senate for approval. Royce said he has spoken to Robert Menendez (D-NJ), the Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, to work together to pass the act.