US President Donald Trump on late Thursday evening signed a law into an act that will require the US to increase its support to the island of Taiwan which is a victim of an aggressive China that continues its unrelenting acts of bullying.
The Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act has received bipartisan support in the US Congress.
China has increased its naval patrols and has bullied other nations who have granted diplomatic recognition to Taiwan to withdraw this recognition. Currently 15 nations globally recognize the Republic of Taiwan.
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The law will require the US and especially the State Department to extend all forms of support including providing arms and ammunition to Taiwan. The US Congress too will need to be apprised of all the support that is provided to the island by the US Administration.
It will also require the US to alter their relations with nations that undermine the sovereignty of Taiwan.
One of the authors of the Bill, Senator Cory Gardner said:
“This bipartisan legislation demands a whole-of- government approach to ramp up our support for Taiwan, and will send a strong message to nations that there will be consequences for supporting Chinese actions that undermine Taiwan”.
The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry welcomed the move and thanked the US. They issued a statement which read:
“We are also willing to work with the United States and countries with similar ideas to promote shared common goals of freedom and democratic values, and continue to strive for even wider international space for Taiwan”.
China which is involved in a war of words with the US over COVID-19 is yet to react to this issue.
The Defence Ministry on Thursday condemned US and accused it of aggressive patrolling in the Taiwan Straits.