TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US lawmakers from both the House and Senate sent a letter Wednesday to hotel chains Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt expressing serious concern over the term “Taiwan, China” on their websites and promotional materials.

In the letter, House Select Committee on China Chair John Moolenaar and Senator Marsha Blackburn said using the term suggests Taiwan is a part of China, which starkly contrasts with the US government’s position and is detrimental to Taiwan. The document also referenced an October 2024 letter from the US Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and State, which urged CEOs of Fortune 500 firms to refer to Taiwan simply as “Taiwan” in keeping with longstanding bipartisan US policy.

The members of Congress said the use of such nomenclature “gives false credence to the PRC's position of authority and sovereignty over Taiwan and implies that Taiwan is the property of the PRC.” They said this contravenes US policy and undermines Taiwan's democratic system.

The lawmakers said, "Other major US companies with an international presence correctly identify Taiwan as an entity separate from that of China, and we urge your companies to follow suit.” They posed several key questions, including when the term “Taiwan, China” was first adopted and whether the Chinese government or related entities influenced, requested, or suggested the decision.

The Congress members asked whether the three hotel chains had received the 2024 letter from the US executive branch and whether they intend to revise their policies as requested. They also asked if the companies plan to accurately label Taiwan as “Taiwan” on all US and Taiwan-based websites.

“We urge Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt to review this practice and ensure that your companies’ language on both US and Taiwan-hosted websites properly reflects long-standing US policy," said the lawmakers.