Van Hollen and Romney Release Joint Statement on Taiwan’s 112th National Day – Hot

October 09, 2023

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, released this statement on the 112^th National Day of Taiwan:

“We extend our warmest regards to the people of Taiwan on the 112^th National Day of Taiwan. We are honored to stand with you in marking this important occasion.

“With a foundation of common democratic values, the United States and Taiwan have built a strong partnership that has helped advance our free societies, build our economies, promote stability in the Indo-Pacific, and bring our peoples closer together. Congress has been integral to forging U.S.-Taiwan ties since the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the TRA and the Six Assurances.

“As the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, we will continue working to further strengthen our strategic relationship and make progress in these areas. These efforts include boosting Taiwan’s role in global affairs, strengthening its defensive capabilities, and pursuing a formal joint U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement to promote even greater opportunity and shared prosperity.

“Taiwan has been a trusted partner to the United States and a voice for positive change on the global stage. It is a privilege to support the U.S.-Taiwan partnership in the Senate, and we look forward to continued cooperation and joining the people of Taiwan in celebrating their 112th National Day.”

Chairman Van Hollen and Ranking Member Romney recently introduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, legislation to support Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations. Additionally, in March the Senators introduced a resolution encouraging the President to begin negotiations and encourage the House to work with the Senate on a congressional-executive agreement to establish an income tax agreement between the United States and Taiwan. They also are original sponsors of the Taiwan Tax Agreement Act to make it easier for businesses in the U.S. and Taiwan to avoid double taxation while protecting against tax evasion. This legislation was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in July.