US Lawmakers Push to Rename Taiwan's Embassy in Washington

U.S. Representative Byron Donalds and a bipartisan group of senators have introduced legislation to rename Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington, D.C., from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) to the Taiwan Representative Office (TRO). This move is intended to reaffirm U.S. support for Taiwan's independence and counter Chinese diplomatic pressure, as stated by the bill's sponsors, including Senators John Curtis and Jeff Merkley. While some experts praise the symbolic significance of the name change, others warn of potential escalations in cross-strait tensions, emphasizing the need for Taiwan to prioritize its defense instead of symbolic gestures. The legislation would not alter the U.S.'s official stance on Taiwan’s international status, which has been a point of contention in U.S.-China relations. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation have faltered, but proponents express optimism for its current iteration. The proposed bill reflects a broader commitment by U.S. lawmakers to strengthen ties with Taiwan amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the region.