House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chair Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have issued a formal warning to top U.S. hotel chains Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt over the use of the phrase “Taiwan, China” on their websites and materials. The lawmakers argue that such wording aligns with the Chinese Communist Party’s narrative and undermines U.S. policy and Taiwan’s sovereignty.
In a letter sent Wednesday to Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta, Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano, and Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian, Moolenaar and Blackburn stated that referring to Taiwan as part of China “stands in stark contrast to the position of the United States government.” They emphasized that Taiwan is a democratic ally and key trading partner of the U.S., and described the phrase “Taiwan, China” as giving “false credence to the PRC’s position of authority.”
The lawmakers requested the hotel chains clarify whether their language was influenced by guidance or pressure from Beijing. They warned that using such terminology implies Taiwan is the property of the People’s Republic of China, a claim that contradicts American foreign policy and the democratic will of the Taiwanese people.
The letter also highlighted that other U.S. companies properly list Taiwan as separate from China, and urged the hotel chains to adopt the same approach.
China has a history of coercing Western companies into compliance with its political demands. In past incidents, Beijing pressured U.S. airlines and retailers to alter listings or product designs that failed to show Taiwan as part of China, sparking backlash from both Taiwanese officials and American lawmakers.
Despite the growing scrutiny, all three hotel chains declined to comment. As of Thursday, their websites still listed Taiwan as “Taiwan, China,” according to Radio Free Asia.
