As China continues to suppress Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, United States congressmen have recently introduced a bill requiring the Secretary of State to develop a strategy ensuring Taiwan’s inclusion in Interpol. The bill includes provisions on the necessity of including Taiwan in international crime-fighting cooperation and the consequences of not including Taiwan as a member on global security. 

Republican Congressman Lance Gooden introduced the Taiwan Interpol Endorsement and Inclusion Act last Friday. Co-sponsors include Democratic Representatives Brad Sherman and Ted Lieu and Republican Representatives Pete Sessions and Tom Tiffany.

Gooden stated in a press release that the bill reflects the United States’ long-standing policy of supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. He noted that Taiwan has always played a key role in global peace and security initiatives and said its inclusion would fill gaps in the global security network and enhance the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation.

Interpol, founded in September 1923 and headquartered in France, is the world’s largest police cooperation platform dedicated to combating and preventing crime. Its purpose is to ensure and promote cooperation among national law enforcement agencies worldwide. Taiwan was forced to withdraw in 1984 after China applied to join, and while Taiwan has repeatedly sought to participate in Interpol’s General Assembly as an observer, it continues to be excluded.