US Bill Aims to Rename Taiwan Representative Office

Strengthening Ties and Acknowledging Democratic Values

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US Senate, proposing to rename Taiwan's representative office in Washington to more accurately reflect its role and the people it represents.

The proposed "Taiwan Representative Office Act" seeks to change the name of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) to the Taiwan Representative Office (TRO).

According to a joint statement from the bill's sponsors, the legislation underscores the United States' commitment to Taiwan's democracy and seeks to enhance clarity in the US-Taiwan relationship.

Similar legislative efforts have been attempted previously. Previous attempts in both the House of Representatives and the Senate did not gain sufficient traction to pass.

Taiwan's representative offices in countries without formal diplomatic ties often use names like "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office" to accommodate host countries' sensitivities regarding references implying Taiwan's separation from China.

The bill's proponents emphasize the importance of not allowing pressure from authoritarian regimes to undermine democratic values. They argue that the United States should stand by its democratic partners and friends around the world.

The renaming to "Taiwan Representative Office" is presented as a recognition that the office represents the people of Taiwan and not solely the economic interests of Taipei.

Supporters of the bill highlight the US's commitment to supporting Taiwan by properly recognizing its status and fostering robust relationships with democratic partners.

The legislation clarifies that the proposed name change would not contradict the US's "one China" policy or alter its stance on Taiwan's international status.

The bill mandates that the US Secretary of State engage in negotiations with Taiwan's representative office in Washington to facilitate the name change. If enacted, all relevant US government documents, laws, maps, and records referencing TECRO would be updated to TRO.