Rep. Gooden Demands Biden Extend Invitation to Taiwan's President to Attend APEC Summit

Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) introduced a resolution demanding President Biden extend an invitation to Taiwan's president to attend this year's APEC forum on an equal footing with leaders of other APEC member states.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established to promote prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region through balanced, innovative, and secure growth. The annual APEC forum allows leaders of its 21 member nations to discuss mutual interests in economic security and commerce.

"Taiwan is a vibrant democracy, a defender of individual liberty, and an integral member of the Asia-Pacific community," said Rep. Gooden. "It's imperative that we, as a nation, recognize Taiwan's significant contributions to global trade and economic growth. Engaging with Taiwan in platforms like APEC not only strengthens our economic ties but supports our national security interests."

The resolution highlights the annual APEC leaders’ summit scheduled for November 2023 in San Francisco, California, due to its historic nature. The APEC summit has not been hosted in the continental United States since 1993.

This resolution comes following two attempts in April, and September, by Congressman Gooden to urge the Biden administration to invite President Tsai Ing-wen. Both attempts were stonewalled by the Biden White House.

Co-signers: Bill Johnson (OH), Tom Tiffany (WI), George Santos (NY), Burgess Owens (UT), Rudy Yakym (IN), Andy Ogles (TN), Randy Weber (TX), Carlos Gimenez (FL), Keith Self (TX), Russell Fry (FL), Pat Fallon (TX), Ronny Jackson (TX), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL), Andy Biggs (AZ)

Read the full resolution here.