TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US senators on Thursday unveiled legislation to codify the Six Assurances in law and prevent future administrations from backtracking on decades-old commitments to Taiwan.
Senator Jeff Merkley, one of the bill’s sponsors, said on Thursday the assurances are six key foreign-policy commitments that have underpinned US–Taiwan relations for nearly half a century, per CNA. He said the Six Assurances to Taiwan Act would provide legal force for the first time.
Under the bill, any administration seeking to alter arms sales, change long-standing policy, or pressure Taiwan into negotiations must notify Congress and provide a detailed justification. Congress would have up to 60 days to review the proposal and could block it through a joint resolution.
Merkley said there is bipartisan agreement that the US must strengthen its long-standing support for Taiwan. He added, “No administration can back away from this commitment behind closed doors, and sends the strong message that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle will not stand for any efforts that undermine this essential partnership.”
Co-sponsor Senator John Curtis said the assurances have been a cornerstone of US policy toward Taiwan since former President Ronald Reagan issued them in 1982. “My bill simply codifies these longstanding commitments, so they carry the full weight of law,” said Curtis.
“As Beijing escalates its pressure campaign, this is about clarity, deterrence, and showing Taiwan that America’s support is principled, bipartisan, and enduring,” he added.
US Ambassador to China David Perdue said on CNBC in October that President Donald Trump has made clear the US will not change its “one-China policy” and will continue to adhere to the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Communiques, and the Six Assurances. He added that Washington opposes coercion and seeks a peaceful resolution.
The bill interprets the Six Assurances to mean the US:
- Did not agree to set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan
- Did not agree to consult with the People’s Republic of China on arms sales to Taiwan
- Did not and will not agree to play any mediation role
- Did not agree to revise the Taiwan Relations Act
- Did not take any position regarding the issue of sovereignty over Taiwan
- Will not exert pressure on Taiwan to enter into negotiations with the People’s Republic of China
Successive US administrations since Reagan have reaffirmed the Six Assurances, and they have been cited in laws such as the Taiwan Relations Act and the National Defense Authorization Act. Unlike the Taiwan Relations Act, however, they have never been formally codified.
