Press Release

Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Chairman of the Asia Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the East Asia Subcommittee on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Asia Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today announced the reintroduction of the Taiwan Fellowship Act.

Modeled on the successful Mansfield Fellowship Program between the United States and Japan, the legislation establishes a fellowship exchange program for U.S. federal government employees in all three branches of government to learn, live, and work in Taiwan for a length of up to two years. Upon successful conclusion of the program, fellows must fulfill a service requirement in their sponsoring branch of government where they will be equipped to advance U.S. values and interests in the Indo-Pacific region, with special emphasis on strengthening our strategic partnership with Taiwan.

"The United States and Taiwan share a close partnership that is rooted in our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law," said Chairman Bera said. "This exchange program will give U.S. policymakers the opportunity to live and work in Taiwan, equipping them with better knowledge of the region's history, culture, and political dynamics. Such experiences and people-to-people connections are crucial for developing tomorrow's Taiwan experts in the federal government and informing U.S. foreign policy toward the Indo-Pacific. I am proud to work with Senators Markey, Rubio, and Representative Chabot on this bipartisan legislation that invests in a robust, enduring U.S.-Taiwan relationship."

"The Taiwan Fellowship Act builds upon the U.S. strategic partnership with Taiwan's vibrant democracy in areas in which Taiwan has long held expertise – such as trade, human rights, the rule of law, regional security, and in global health," said Chairman Markey. "Through intensive language, cultural, and political immersion at a Taiwanese ministry or civic institution, U.S. public servants will create lasting professional relationships and expertise that will far outlast each fellow's time in Taiwan. While China seeks to isolate Taiwan from meaningful cooperation in tackling our global challenges, the swift passage of the Taiwan Fellowship Act would be a key step to signal that America is back, as committed as ever to our partnership with Taiwan, and reengaged in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the Massachusetts-based Western Pacific Fellowship Project for their leadership in helping this idea come to life."

"As Beijing continues to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, I'm proud to reintroduce this important bipartisan and bicameral effort," said Senator Rubio. "Modeled after the successful Mansfield Fellowship with Japan, the Taiwan Fellowship Act would create a fellowship program in Taiwan for the continued expansion of our bilateral and cultural ties with Taipei. This program would be a great step in advancing U.S. efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

"As a longtime supporter of the United States-Taiwan bilateral relationship, I have always been a firm believer in the importance of face-to-face interaction between our respective governments," said Representative Chabot. "That is why, I introduced, and in 2018, the President signed, the bipartisan Taiwan Travel Act, which fosters high-level dialogue. Such dialogue helps our two countries to see eye-to-eye, solve our differences, and meet shared challenges. The same holds true at the working level, and there is no better way to build relationships than having our personnel working side-by-side with their counterparts in Taiwanese ministries. The Taiwan Fellowship Act will set up a strong framework to make such collaboration possible and thereby deepen our bilateral relationship."