U.S. Senators Propose Bill to Support Taiwan’s Allies in Latin America and Caribbean
On August 1, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the “United States-Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act,” aimed at supporting Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Curtis (R-UT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), the bill comes amid rising Chinese military and diplomatic pressure, including efforts to persuade Taiwan’s allies to sever official ties.
As Sen. Merkley stated: “This bipartisan bill pushes back by supporting governments that choose to maintain ties with Taiwan and makes clear that every nation should be free to choose its partners without fear of retribution from Beijing.” “We stand with our allies, and we will not allow authoritarian pressure to dictate the choices of sovereign nations,” Sen. Curtis emphasized.
Background: Since 2016, Taiwan has lost 10 diplomatic allies — including five in Latin America — as China intensifies its campaign to isolate Taiwan. Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and most recently Honduras have switched recognition to the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan currently maintains official relations with only 12 countries, seven of which are in the Western Hemisphere.
China’s approach to these countries often involves opaque infrastructure deals, economic inducements, and political pressure designed to erode Taiwan’s diplomatic presence. In response, the United States has become increasingly vocal in supporting Taiwan’s remaining allies and countering authoritarian influence.
About the Bill: The Act reaffirms U.S. policy to support Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in Latin America and the Caribbean and establishes a mechanism to monitor and respond to China-backed infrastructure and development projects in those countries. It also encourages deeper U.S.–Taiwan coordination in the region through joint development initiatives, public diplomacy, and enhanced collaboration between U.S. embassies and Taiwan’s representative offices, according to a press statement from Sen. Merkley’s office.
Significance: The bill reflects a shift toward a more proactive and institutionalized U.S. strategy to defend Taiwan’s international space, particularly in Latin America — a region of enduring strategic interest to the United States. It also signals a growing bipartisan consensus in Washington against China’s coercive tactics to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
Implications: If enacted, the bill would bolster Taiwan’s allies by offering alternative forms of support, embed Taiwan more deeply in U.S. regional diplomacy, and counter China’s influence through greater transparency and strategic coordination.
Sources:
[1] Sen. Jeff Merkley’s Office
[2] Focus Taiwan
[3] Taipei Times
U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Taiwan Cooperation on Defense Technology
On August 1, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers — led by Representatives Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) — introduced the “U.S.-Taiwan Defense Innovation Partnership Act” (H.R.4860), a bill aimed at accelerating defense technology collaboration between the United States and Taiwan in response to growing aggression from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). House Select Committee on the CCP Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) also joined as original cosponsors.
“The defense partnership laid out in this bill will be a critical deterrence tool, accelerating Taiwan’s access to next-generation U.S. technology and giving them the asymmetric edge they need to defend their sovereignty,” said Rep. Nunn. “This legislation would strengthen critical defense industrial collaboration with Taiwan while enhancing our shared readiness against an increasingly threatening Beijing,” Rep. Moolenaar added.
Background: The proposed legislation was introduced amid heightened concerns in Washington over China’s accelerating military buildup and growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. A news release issued by Rep. Tokuda’s office quoted Reps. Nunn and Moolenaar as saying, respectively, that the CCP “has made clear its intent to take Taiwan by 2027” and that “with each passing day, [Chinese President] Xi Jinping expands coercion aimed at Taiwan.”
About the Bill: The bill directs the U.S. Department of Defense to work directly with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense through their respective Defense Innovation Units. This partnership will focus on the joint research and development of next-generation dual-use and defense technologies — such as drones, artificial intelligence, microchips, missiles, advanced surveillance systems, and directed energy weapons.
The bill would also strengthen coordination on supply chain resiliency and bolster both nations’ defense industrial bases. It would enhance collective deterrence and critical capabilities to counter CCP aggression, while reinforcing the United States’ strategic and technological edge over China.
Implications: By deepening technological ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, this legislation reinforces America’s commitment to peace through strength. It empowers innovators, strengthens U.S. allies, and sends a clear message to the CCP that “the United States will stand firm against aggression and invest in the tools needed to defend freedom in the Indo-Pacific,” the press release said.
