WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), will introduce a bipartisan resolution commending Taiwan for its commitment to democratic elections and institutions, despite ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. This resolution comes prior to Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections set to occur on Saturday, January 13.

In August 2022, Senator Blackburn met with President Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan and called for increased ties between the U.S. and Taiwan.

“As our strongest partner in the Indo-Pacific, a free and democratic Taiwan is a good thing for the United States and the Indo-Pacific region,” said Senator Blackburn. “As the CCP continues to bully Taiwan, it’s important we show our unwavering support for the Taiwanese people’s continued commitment to our shared values, while sending a clear message to Beijing that any attempt to undermine this election will not be tolerated.” 

“This is a volatile and potentially dangerous time,” said Senator Sullivan. “Between the election on January 13 and the inauguration in May, the United States needs to show steady, unwavering commitment and resolve in support of Taiwan’s democracy and—critically—we need to enhance cross-strait deterrence now. This will be Taiwan’s eighth presidential election. In my own career, I deployed as part of a Marine Corps task force on the eve of China’s first presidential election when Beijing was threatening to invade Taiwan and shooting missiles over the island. Today, Taiwan is considered one of the freest countries in the world. Every Taiwan election threatens the central premise of the Chinese Communist Party—that one dictator ruling in perpetuity knows what’s best for 1.4 billion people. Millions of Chinese on the mainland will be watching Taiwan’s upcoming election and asking the question, ‘Why can’t we do that?’ This is a giant vulnerability for Xi Jinping.”

“Taiwan is a thriving democracy and one of our closest partners in the Indo-Pacific region. In light of Taiwan’s upcoming elections, the U.S. should stand strong in support of Taiwan’s democratic institutions, and it’s important that the Taiwanese people know that they have our support. This resolution sends a clear message that any interference by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the 2024 elections will not be tolerated and reaffirms our commitment to a continuing partnership with a free and democratic Taiwan,” said Senator Kaine.

• The resolution’s co-sponsors include Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (R-Md.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

• Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Ami Bera (D-Calif.), and Andy Barr (R-Ky.) plan to introduce companion legislation in the House.