March 23 marked the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s direct presidential election. Bipartisan members of the U.S. Senate introduced a resolution to commemorate the milestone, reaffirming U.S. support for Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and the “Six Assurances,” and praising Taiwan’s democratic achievements. The US stated it will continue supporting Taiwan’s prosperity and oppose unilateral aggression from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
US condemns unilateral aggression by the CCP
Taiwan held its first-ever nationwide direct presidential and vice-presidential election on March 23, 1996; this year marks its 30th anniversary. On the evening of March 23, Taipei 101 lit up from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm with the messages “The People Are in Charge” and “Democratic Victory, Free Taiwan.” Taipei 101 said the light display was intended to reflect democratic and freedom values and commemorate the 30-year milestone in Taiwan’s democratic development.
Meanwhile, US Senators Tammy Duckworth (Democrat, Foreign Relations Committee), John Curtis (Republican), and Tim Kaine (Democrat, Armed Services Committee) jointly introduced a resolution on March 23 affirming the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s direct presidential election and reiterating support for US policy toward Taiwan based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the “Six Assurances.”
According to Newtalk, Duckworth said, “For 30 years, democracy has helped our friend Taiwan thrive. It is crucial that we send a strong bipartisan message showing that we will stand with them for the long term.” She added that she is proud to lead this bipartisan effort recognizing the island’s historically significant anniversary as Taiwan strengthens its democratic institutions in the face of escalating threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Duckworth also stated, “The US will continue to support Taiwan’s prosperity and oppose any unilateral aggression from the CCP that could threaten democratic allies or global economic stability.”
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Curtis shared that he lived in Taiwan during martial law and witnessed the society’s struggle for greater freedom. He said Taiwan’s embrace of democratic elections over the past 30 years has transformed it into one of the most dynamic, prosperous, and innovative societies, demonstrating the enduring power of freedom, rule of law, and self-governance. “Taiwan’s journey reminds us that when democracy is nurtured and defended, it can provide freedom and opportunity for generations to come.”
Kaine noted that with continued CCP provocations toward Taipei, “we must recommit to protecting Taiwan’s democratic system.”
Other co-sponsors of the bipartisan resolution include US Senators Pete Ricketts (R), Jeff Merkley (D), Rick Scott (R), Chris Van Hollen (D), Ted Cruz (R), Jacky Rosen (D), Michael Bennet (D), and John Fetterman (D).
Support for strengthening Taiwan’s defense
According to Central News Agency, former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell posted on X, noting that the freedom enjoyed by the Taiwanese people “stands in stark contrast to the oppression under CCP rule on the mainland. As Taiwan continues to strengthen its self-defense, the US should continue supporting our friend.”
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R) congratulated the people of Taiwan on X and stated that since Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, it has continuously fought to safeguard these democratic freedoms. “The US has supported and will continue to support strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense, past, present, and future.”
Ami Bera, Democratic lead of the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, said Taiwan, as a vibrant democracy and key partner in the Indo-Pacific, provides a model for the world. “I look forward to continuing bipartisan leadership in Congress to support Taiwan’s security, prosperity, and meaningful participation on the international stage.”
Calls for Beijing to respect dialogue on equal terms
On March 24, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a statement quoting Foreign Minister Joseph Wu welcoming the US Congress’s continued recognition of Taiwan’s democratic achievements, and thanking the US for longstanding bipartisan support for Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and security. The MOFA emphasized that this year is an important milestone for Taiwan’s democratic society and pledged ongoing cooperation with the U.S. and global democratic partners, welcoming the international community’s continued practical support for democratic Taiwan to jointly promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
MOFA recalled that the U.S. Congress had previously introduced a resolution recognizing Taiwan’s democratic achievements ahead of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election. The Senate’s action on the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s direct presidential election represents another public affirmation of support for Taiwan’s democratic society. On the same day, several high-ranking bipartisan U.S. lawmakers, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, and members of the House Taiwan Caucus, publicly congratulated Taiwan on this democratic milestone.
Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei noted that in recent years, CCP military aircraft and vessels have conducted exercises in the Taiwan Strait and neighboring areas, seriously affecting regional peace and stability and openly violating the UN Charter. The CCP is not only a troublemaker in the international community but also a disruptor of cross-strait peace. Taiwan calls on Beijing to respect the objective reality of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan), jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and immediately stop misleading the international community and repeated provocations. Only through responsible, pragmatic, and rational dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected government can cross-strait relations improve.