Letters Sent to Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt Hotel Groups
"Could Be Interpreted as Recognizing Taiwan as Part of China"
Two Republican lawmakers in the United States have sent letters to major hotel chains in the country, urging them to change the designation "Taiwan, China" to simply "Taiwan" on their websites and promotional materials.
According to Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) on May 22, John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Senator Marsha Blackburn, both Republicans, sent such letters the previous day to Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt hotel groups.
In their letter, the lawmakers expressed concern that the practice of labeling Taiwan as "Taiwan, China" could be interpreted as recognizing Taiwan as part of China.
The lawmakers pointed out that "using expressions such as 'Taiwan, China' gives undue legitimacy to China's authority and sovereignty over Taiwan and implies that Taiwan is owned by China." They added, "This not only directly contradicts U.S. policy but also undermines Taiwan's democratic system."
They also referenced that in October of last year, the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, and Agriculture sent letters to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies urging them to use the designation "Taiwan." The lawmakers emphasized, "Other major U.S. companies operating internationally are correctly identifying Taiwan as a separate entity from China, and we urge your company to do the same."
When searching for 'Taiwan' on the Marriott Hotel website, it appears as 'Taiwan, China'. Marriott Hotel website
The lawmakers also requested information regarding when these hotel companies began using the term "Taiwan, China" and whether the decision was influenced by the Chinese government.
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