Dozens of US lawmakers for resolution supporting Taiwan's democracy

(Patria) - Dozens of US lawmakers have co-sponsored a bill praising Taiwan's democracy ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections, prompting China to call on the US to cease official contacts with the island, Reuters reported.

"Resolved, that the Senate... is committed to supporting Taiwan's self-defense and the freedom of its people through effective deterrence using all elements of United States power," the resolution, which has at least 28 Republican and Democratic sponsors in the Senate, states.

The resolution praises Taiwan's "rule of law and vibrant civil society, diverse economy, and stable political system" and contrasts it with the situation in China. Taiwanese voters go to the polls on Saturday for presidential and parliamentary elections. The Taiwanese government has accused China of unprecedented interference in the elections, using everything from military activities to trade sanctions to encourage votes for candidates that Beijing might prefer.

The resolution's sponsors hope it will be adopted unanimously this week. Republican Dan Sullivan, who led the resolution with Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, said: "I think it is really important that the United States, in a bipartisan way, show continued, unwavering support and commitment to Taiwan's democracy and continue to take policies to enhance deterrence from the strait."

He emphasized that they are not choosing sides in Taiwan's presidential race.

"There are three strong candidates, three strong parties. Our commitment just needs to be to a fair process that is not undermined by Beijing's coercive activities," he told Reuters.

Asked for comment on the resolution, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, said in an emailed statement that China "firmly opposes" the US having any official contact with Taiwan and said Washington must refrain from "interfering" in the elections there.