TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Donald Trump signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act Wednesday (Dec. 3), requiring the U.S. State Department to indefinitely review engagement guidelines with Taiwan. The legislation extends these requirements without a time limit, marking a significant policy shift. The act mandates periodic reviews and congressional reports on U.S.-Taiwan relations.
The Office of the President (總統府) spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) expressed gratitude later that day for the act's passage, emphasizing its value in supporting closer Taiwan-U.S. relations. Kuo highlighted that the legislation demonstrates continued U.S. commitment to Taiwan's security and prosperity. The spokesperson stressed the importance of maintaining robust bilateral ties between the two democratic nations.
The act mandates the U.S. State Department to periodically review and update engagement guidelines with Taiwan. The department must submit reports to Congress within 90 days of each review. Kuo highlighted that Taiwan and the U.S. share fundamental values of freedom and democracy. She noted a robust Taiwan-U.S. relationship remains a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
Republican Rep. Ann Wagner, the late Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, and Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu introduced the act in February. The House passed it unanimously in May, and the Senate approved it in November. The legislation directs the State Department to lift self-imposed restrictions on Taiwan-U.S. engagement. The U.S. severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979, establishing red lines for official interactions. ◼
