Whereas pursuant to section 2(b)(1) of the Taiwan Relations Act ( 22 U.S.C. 3301(b)(1) ), it is the policy of the United States to promote extensive, close, and friendly commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan ; Whereas the friendship between the United States and Taiwan is based on a shared commitment to individual and economic freedom, shared values, and an appreciation for the blessings of liberty and democracy; Whereas the United States and Taiwan enjoy a robust trade partnership, marked by the exchange of goods and services and international travel; Whereas Taiwan has shown an interest in strengthening its economic relationship with the United States by investing in technology manufacturing facilities located within the United States and agreeing to lift restrictions on the import of certain U.S. agricultural products; Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated a commitment to protecting intellectual property and individual freedom by serving as a leader in the responsible development of technology, as evidenced through a Joint Declaration on 5G Security announced between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in August 2020; Whereas Taiwan has played an integral role in the global supply chain during the coronavirus disease 2019 (commonly known as COVID–19 ) pandemic, producing massive amounts of masks at the time when masks were most scarce and ensuring that this critical tool was available to individuals around the world; Whereas the United States has consistently supported peaceful relations between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, and respected the provisions of both the Taiwan Relations Act ( 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) and the Six Assurances offered by President Ronald Reagan to Taiwan in 1982