Major pro-Taiwan legislation proposed in the US today, thanks to bipartisan support I anticipate all of these will pass. I highly recommend people take the time to read specifically what is being proposed, here's a thread of it all: https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202010210007

1. Taiwan Assurance Act: a bill that directs the Secretary of State to help Taiwan regain observer status in the World Health Organization.

This is the most frustrating act, since Trump withdrew the US from the WHO, our ability to help Taiwan enter is questionable at best.

2. and 3. are related:

Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act and Employment Fairness for Taiwan Act, aimed at improving Taiwan's standing in international financial institutions and ensuring that TW nationals are not discriminated against in employment decisions at these institutions.

4. Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty Act:

Diplomats and members in the Taiwanese military would be allowed to display the ROC flag and wear their uniforms while in the U.S. on official businesses.

5. Taiwan Fellowship Act:

Would grant fellowships in Taiwan to U.S. government employees

6. Taiwan Defense Act, which requires the U.S. to maintain the ability to defeat a Chinese invasion against Taiwan.

This one in particular I want to read the specifics of, because it will have major implications with recent discussions on the US's strategic ambiguity policy.

7. Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act

It would change the status of the AIT director from "director to "representative" and the person would have to be approved by the Senate similar to other US ambassadors.

Also includes a number of pushes for more intercultural exchange.

Overall: I am highly in favor of bipartisan US policy that helps normalize Taiwan, especially initiatives that go beyond just military and arms sales or seem designed to just provoke China. Initially most of these acts all seem okay with a couple exceptions.

I know Taiwan only has one Hsiao Bin Khim, but I hope in the future Taiwan invests in lobbying other countries so that the US is not the only major power passing these kinds of acts. TW needs more than just the US to have this kind of pro-TW policy if it wants true normalization.

I look forward (and courage everyone) to following the specific wording of these acts to make sure the execution of these policies help TW more than hurt it. Policies that too drastically increase the chances of conflict I think we should think critically about supporting.

/end.