US Senators Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Codify Taiwan’s Six Assurances

Two US senators introduced a bipartisan bill on March 14, 2024, aimed at codifying the “six assurances” as a fundamental aspect of Washington’s policy toward Taiwan. This legislation seeks to prevent any unilateral changes to the longstanding US position on Taiwan without congressional oversight.

The Six Assurances to Taiwan Act

The “Six Assurances to Taiwan Act,” led by Senators John Curtis and Jeff Merkley, would elevate these assurances to the level of law. Under this bill, any attempt to modify these assurances would require a review by the US Congress, ensuring transparency and accountability in US-Taiwan relations. The measure has been submitted for review by a Senate committee and mirrors a companion bill introduced by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and other lawmakers, which already received approval from the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

This legislation reaffirms that maintaining the “six assurances” aligns with the national, economic, and security interests of the United States, contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, the bill mandates that any US administration wishing to alter arms sales, modify Taiwan policies, or exert pressure on Taipei for negotiations must notify Congress and provide a comprehensive justification.

Key Provisions and Legislative Intent

Under the proposed act, Congress would have a period of up to 60 days to review any such actions, with the possibility to block them through a joint resolution of disapproval. “Our bipartisan bill codifies a cornerstone of US policy toward Taiwan—ensuring no administration can back away from this commitment behind closed doors,” Merkley stated. He emphasized that the legislation sends a strong message that bipartisan support for Taiwan remains steadfast.

The “six assurances” outline key commitments, including that the US will not set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, will refrain from consulting China on these sales, and will not revise the Taiwan Relations Act, which forms the basis of US policy toward Taiwan. Additionally, the assurances specify that Washington will not mediate between Taipei and Beijing, nor alter its stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Both Curtis and Merkley highlighted the importance of these assurances in reinforcing US support for Taiwan, particularly in light of escalating pressure from Beijing. Curtis remarked, “The six assurances have been a cornerstone of US-Taiwan policy since then-President Ronald Reagan agreed to them in 1982. My bill simply codifies these longstanding commitments, so they carry the full weight of law.”

As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the senators’ proposal emphasizes clarity and deterrence, aiming to demonstrate that America’s support for Taiwan is principled, bipartisan, and enduring. This legislative effort reflects a growing consensus among US lawmakers that reinforcing support for Taiwan is vital for both regional stability and US interests.