Bill > HR419

This bill, the Taiwan Policy Act of 2013, reaffirms and strengthens the United States' commitment to Taiwan by ensuring that nothing in the Act supersedes the existing Taiwan Relations Act, which governs U.S. policy toward Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Key provisions include supporting Taiwan's human rights and democracy, allowing senior Taiwanese leaders to visit the U.S. with appropriate respect, and facilitating meetings between high-level U.S. and Taiwanese officials across all executive departments. The bill also authorizes the President to accept requests for price and availability data or sales offers for F-16C/D aircraft and to transfer specified naval vessels to Taiwan. Furthermore, it directs the U.S. to continue adhering to the "six assurances" provided to Taiwan in 1982, which include commitments regarding arms sales and not pressuring Taiwan to negotiate with the People's Republic of China. The Act also mandates the President to appoint a Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan, with Senate confirmation, and directs the State Department to continue efforts to ensure Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Finally, it authorizes the President to provide Taiwan with various defense items and services, including air, maritime, and ground capabilities, and expresses Congress's desire for a free trade agreement with Taiwan.