The U.S. Senate has passed the America COMPETES Act, which contains a raft of pro-Taiwan provisions. The bill calls for regular arms sales to Taiwan and scholarships for Americans who want to study Chinese in Taiwan. It also calls for letting Taiwan officials in the U.S. display symbols of national sovereignty, such as Taiwan''s flag. Last month the House of Representatives had passed a different version of the legislation. The two versions must now be reconciled into a final bill to be sent to U.S. President Joe Biden.

On New Year''s Day in 2015, Taiwan raised its flag at its Twin Oaks estate in the U.S., for the first time since Taipei and Washington broke ties in 1979. At the time, the U.S. made clear its disapproval and asked that Taiwan not repeat the flag-raising ceremony. But with a new bill moving through Congress, it could be about to shift its stance.

On Monday U.S. time, the Senate approved the America COMPETES Act in a vote of 68 to 28. The bill aims to enhance the U.S.’ international competitiveness and counter China’s influence. It supports regular arms sales to Taiwan and backs Taiwan’s meaningful participation in global organizations. It also urges active engagement in trade dialogue with Taiwan. Notably, the bill calls for letting Taiwan officials display symbols of national sovereignty, such as Taiwan’s flag and military emblems. It also wants to end the “outdated practice” of referring to Taiwan’s government as the “Taiwan authorities.” The bill recommends creating a fellowship program for the study of Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan.

Kung Shan-son
National Defense and Security Research
In Washington, both the ruling and opposition parties believe that Taiwan’s role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy should be elevated. They believe that Taiwan’s flag, its national emblems, and its name should be allowed to be displayed on American soil. Symbolically, I think that that’s a major step forward.

The scholar said the Senate bill was a mark of substantial progress in Taiwan-U.S. relations. Last month, the House of Representatives passed a version of the bill that contained key differences. One example is that only the House bill calls for renaming the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, so that it includes the word “Taiwan.” The House and Senate will need to negotiate a final version of the bill that can pass a vote in both chambers.

Wang Kao-cheng
Tamkang University’s College of International Studies
The U.S. is elevating its relationship with Taiwan in a controlled manner – this means it’s strengthening substantial exchanges that are within its scope of control. However, changes to official names have long been opposed by Beijing. So I believe that this bill could affect U.S.-China relations.

Kung Shan-son
National Defense and Security Research
Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, the U.S. is in need of assistance from China. Given the circumstances, I think that the U.S. will consider the various political factors and will want to avoid provoking Beijing.

With a war still raging in Ukraine, Washington has many considerations to weigh when mapping out its next steps on Taiwan.

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