U.S. Lawmaker Kim Urges Washington to Support Taiwan’s IMF Membership

Taipei: United States Representative Young Kim has called on Washington to support Taiwan's bid for membership in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), encouraging the island nation to apply at the earliest opportunity. Kim, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, brought the matter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's attention during a recent House Financial Services Committee hearing. According to Focus Taiwan, Kim's advocacy is anchored in the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, part of the National Defense Authorization Act enacted last year. This legislation instructs the U.S. representative to the IMF to back Taiwan's membership using the U.S. voice and vote. Kim emphasized the importance of this support, highlighting that the IMF plays a crucial role in promoting global monetary cooperation and financial stability. During a bipartisan delegation trip to Taiwan earlier this year, Kim and other lawmakers engaged in discussions with Taiwanese officials about Taiwan' s potential IMF membership. Kim expressed hope that the United States would either support Taiwan's petition to join the IMF or encourage Taipei to submit their application promptly. In response to Kim's advocacy, Treasury Secretary Bessent acknowledged awareness of the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2025, which was spearheaded by Kim and Democratic Representative Al Green. The Act directs U.S. officials at the Treasury and IMF to advocate for Taiwan's membership, participation in IMF surveillance, access to technical assistance and training, and employment opportunities for Taiwanese nationals. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude towards Representative Kim and the U.S. Congress for their support. The ministry stated that it is currently examining the matter in collaboration with relevant government agencies and will seek input from Taiwan's diplomatic allies and like-minded nations, including the United States, before developing a concrete plan. Historically, Taiwan, known as the Re public of China (ROC), was a founding member of the IMF and represented all of China until 1980. That year, the IMF transferred China's seat to the People's Republic of China (PRC), reflecting a decision made by the United Nations nine years earlier, which ended Taiwan's formal representation.