Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Mar. 19: A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to reinforce American support for Taiwan by mandating the use of the term “Taiwan” instead of “Chinese Taipei” in all federal government communications.
The bill, H.R. 2113, titled the “America Supports Taiwan Act,” was introduced by Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) on March 14, 2025, and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.
The legislation explicitly directs all federal agencies to refer to the island nation as “Taiwan,” countering Beijing’s diplomatic pressure to use the term “Chinese Taipei,” which aligns with the Chinese Communist Party’s stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty. The bill also requires government agencies to update their websites within 14 days of enactment to reflect the change.
Congressman Donalds, from Florida’s 19th congressional district, emphasised the strategic importance of Taiwan to U.S. interests, stating, “Taiwan is a key U.S. strategic partner despite Chinese claims over their sovereignty. The name ‘Chinese Taipei’ is nothing more than a tool of Beijing’s strategy of diplomatic coercion. The ‘America Supports Taiwan Act’ takes corrective action to stand with our partner and counter the encroachment of the Chinese Communist Party.”
Three lawmakers have co-sponsored the bill, including Representatives Mike Collins (R-GA), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Tom Tiffany (R-WI). Rep. Collins criticised the U.S. government’s past adherence to the “Chinese Taipei” designation, stating, “The federal government needs to stop deadnaming Taiwan. There is no reason why the United States, the greatest and most powerful nation on the globe, should allow Communist China to dictate the name of one of our greatest international allies.”
Rep. Moore echoed these sentiments, highlighting China’s growing influence and pressure on Taiwan. “As China attempts to increase their influence on the world’s stage, it has become clear their sights are set on Taiwan. It is time for the United States to show the people of Taiwan that we recognise their right to self-governance,” Moore said.
The bill will now move to a congressional committee for further consideration before potentially being debated on the House floor.
Currently, many international organizations, including the International Olympic Committee, use the name “Chinese Taipei” when referring to Taiwan, a practice that began as a compromise to allow Taiwan’s participation while accommodating Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China.
One Response
I totally support Representative Barry Moore’s bill replacing “Chinese Taipei” with Taiwan. Taiwan is Taiwan, nothing else. China is also putting pressure on international institutions and countries to replace “Tibet” with “Xizang.” Tibet is Tibet, not Goddamne “Xizang.” I fervently hope that international communities and countries will not kowtow to PRC’s demand.