WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the announced sale of American military equipment and munitions to Taiwan:

“I am pleased that this sale of naval vessels, equipment, and munitions to Taiwan is going forward. It’s been four years since the last time such a sale took place, though I wish we would see them on a regular basis. We cannot allow our relationship with the People’s Republic of China to come at the expense of our friendship with the people of Taiwan or our commitment to Taiwan’s defense. The United States and Taiwan are bound together by shared values, a commitment to democracy, and a unique bond of friendship. This sale of these military items to Taiwan will contribute to peace and stability across the strait as well as in the Asia-Pacific region.”                                                                                                                                                  

Background:

In 1979, the United States enacted the Taiwan Relations Act, a law requiring continued  support to Taiwan regardless of improving relations with Beijing.  

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