Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office Photo: VCG

Some US senators have introduced a bipartisan legislation,MKS sports attempting to change the name of "Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office" to "the Taiwan Representative Office." They claimed the move is to "underscore the US' commitment" to the island's democracy and enhances clarity in their relationship, US media reported on Wednesday.

Experts said the legislation essentially aims to create "one China, one Taiwan," and support "Taiwan independence." They pointed out some US senators are exploiting China hawks and pro-Taiwan island factions in the new US administration to further their own political goals.

Senators John Curtis and Jeff Merkley introduced the Taiwan Representative Office Act to rename "Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office", National Review reported on Wednesday.

In a press release issued by senator Curtis, the legislation does not alter the US position on Taiwan's international status, it stressed. 

Similar legislations were introduced twice, in 2023 and 2024, in both the US House of Representatives and the Senate, but did not gain enough traction to pass in either chamber. But the senators said there is "high hopes" for it this time around, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio co-authored the 2023 iteration of the bill, media report said.

In September 2021, China lodged solemn representation with the US over media reports that said the US is "seriously considering changing the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO)'s name to the 'Taiwan Representative Office,'" the Chinese Foreign Ministry slammed the move of causing serious deterioration of the China-US relationship and peace in the Taiwan Straits.

Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Thursday that internationally, the island of Taiwan is usually referred to as "Chinese Taipei" or as an economic entity, while the direct use of "Taiwan" is rare. Therefore, the latest legislation essentially aims to create "one China, one Taiwan," supporting "Taiwan independence," Wu said. 

As for the timing of the legislation, the expert said with China hawks and pro-Taiwan forces in the new US government, the senators may be seeking to leverage these forces to advance their own political agenda, driven by personal interests. 

However, the current US administration's priority is handling domestic affairs, particularly economic issues, while properly managing relations with China, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times. 

In contrast, US Congress has consistently taken a high-profile stance on Taiwan question, actively working to enhance the island's international presence, Li said, adding that some of the congressmen may have received substantial financial support from Taiwan.

It has been reported by Taiwan island-based media CNA that senator John Curtis previously served as a missionary in Taiwan, has a clear pro-Taiwan stance, and is fluent in the local language.

Nevertheless, Wu warned that this development should not be underestimated. "If the new US administration's China policy does not meet expectations, it may play the Taiwan card, potentially crossing established red lines, especially under the influence of pro-Taiwan figures," he said. 

During a Cabinet meeting in February, US President Donald Trump declined to make a commitment to the Taiwan island when asked by a reporter whether "the US would allow China to take control of Taiwan by force," Instead, US President responded by expressing desire for Chinese investment in the US, Reuters reported.

Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future. The only reference to the Taiwan region in the UN is "Taiwan, Province of China," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the press conference on March 7, 2025, during this year's two sessions.