Two U.S. lawmakers are taking aim at three major U.S. hotel chains for using the term “Taiwan, China” on their websites and promotional materials, saying it implies that the self-ruling island is part of China and undermines Taiwanese democracy.
Rep. John Moolenar, Republican chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, wrote Wednesday to the CEOs of Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt, demanding to know whether they were using the term at Beijing’s request.
“Using terminology such as ‘Taiwan, China,’ gives false credence to the PRC’s position of authority and sovereignty over Taiwan and implies that Taiwan is the property of the PRC,” they wrote in the letter, using the initials of the People’s Republic of China.
“Not only does this directly contradict U.S. policy, but it also undermines Taiwan’s democratic system. Other major U.S. companies with an international presence correctly identify Taiwan as an entity separate from that of China, and we urge your companies to follow suit,” they said.
The letter references the Taiwan Relations Act, which since Washington’s formal recognition of the PRC government in Beijing in 1979 has defined the substantial but non-diplomatic ties between the United States and Taiwan.
“This relationship is of the utmost importance to the economic and national security of the United States, and the government and the private sector alike must take steps to bolster and support Taiwan, one of our most important allies in the region,” the letter said.
Radio Free Asia found that a quick search for a hotel in Taiwan on the websites of all three chains turned up results for “Taiwan, China.”
RFA has sought comment from Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt but has yet to receive a response.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory although the island is self-ruling and has a democratically elected government. The communist government in Beijing has threatened to take the island by force should it declare independence.
Edited by Mat Pennington.
