Bill Overview
Title: A bill to direct the Secretary of State to seek to enter into negotiations with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office to rename its office the "Taiwan Representative Office", and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to seek to enter into negotiations with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) to rename its office in Washington, DC, the Taiwan Representative Office. (The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is unofficial, and TECRO is Taiwan's principal representative office in the United States.)
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in U.S.-Taiwan diplomatic relations
Estimated Size: 25000000
- The bill pertains to the change in name of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office to the Taiwan Representative Office.
- This change reflects the international diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and may imply shifts in diplomatic relations.
- Global populations who monitor U.S.-China-Taiwan relations may be impacted, particularly those in the diplomatic and international law arenas.
- Individuals in Taiwan who observe and are affected by international recognition matters will be directly interested.
- Population in the U.S. concerned with the U.S.'s diplomatic stance toward Taiwan and China will take interest.
Reasoning
- The primary budget allocation likely relates to administrative processes associated with a name change, public communication, and potential political analysis and engagement costs.
- Given the moderate budget, the policy impacts are expected to be soft-power related, influencing perceptions rather than causing direct economic changes.
- Population segments most aware of and interested in this change are integrated into political science, international relations, and those with cultural ties to Taiwan.
Simulated Interviews
International Relations Analyst (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe a name change is symbolic but important in reflecting the nature of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.
- This could slightly alter the geopolitical balance, but major impacts are unlikely without further diplomatic changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Business Executive (New York, NY)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This seems like a minor but necessary step for acknowledging realities in international affairs.
- Our business relies on stable U.S.-China relations; I watch these developments with interest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone studying international law, this is fascinating but seems more symbolic than impactful.
- I doubt this change will heavily affect the wellbeing of people outside diplomatic circles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Diplomat (Houston, TX)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Name changes like this help clarify international standings and are quite significant for U.S-Taiwan relations.
- I hope it represents the beginning of a more open dialogue on Taiwan's international status.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a thoughtful change that shows respect and acknowledgment towards Taiwan.
- While it doesn’t impact my day-to-day life, it’s a welcome change that positively affects national identity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
News Reporter (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This development could generate public and political discussions worth covering in detail.
- It doesn’t directly impact wellbeing but enriches the scope of my reporting activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Policy Advisor (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Small but meaningful steps like this can adjust international dynamics slowly and steadily.
- While there won't be immediate changes, it positions Taiwan's status for open dialogue.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High School Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This name change is a useful educational point about symbolism in international relations.
- On a day-to-day level, it won't change much for most of us unless broader policies follow.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Advocacy Group Leader (Boston, MA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change is a small step towards Taiwan's international recognition, which is encouraging.
- It's a positive move but only a part of the larger puzzle of international advocacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
NGO Worker (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a step towards consistency in representing Taiwan's office, reflecting its unique role.
- My role will likely see heightened activity in diplomatically sensitive projects involving Taiwan.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- Potential impact on U.S.-China relations, as China may view this move unfavorably.
- The symbolic nature of the policy and its emphasis on diplomatic status could create geopolitical ripples.
- Monitoring costs related to changes in diplomatic postings or staffing may occur as a result of negotiations.