Van Hollen, Curtis, Kim Bipartisan Bill to Support Taiwan’s International Presence, Counter China’s Economic Coercion Earns Key Committee Approval

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) - both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) announced the Foreign Relations Committee's unanimous passage of their Taiwan Allies Fund Act. This bipartisan legislation strengthens Taiwan's global network by authorizing $30 million over three years to provide foreign assistance to Taiwan's official and unofficial partners subjected to coercion and pressure from the People's Republic of China.

"The People's Republic of China is waging a campaign of intimidation against countries seeking to develop relations with Taiwan, in an attempt to isolate it from allies. Our bipartisan legislation counters Beijing's coercion by supporting Taiwan's global relationships and limiting the impact of Beijing's attempts to undermine Taiwan's partners. I appreciate the Committee's bipartisan, unanimous vote to advance this legislation and will continue working toward full Senate passage," said Senator Van Hollen.

"China's goal is clear: to pressure Taiwan's diplomatic partners into accepting Beijing's claims over Taiwan and to silence international opposition to any move against Taiwan. We cannot allow nations to fall prey to China's pressure campaigns, which is why we advanced this bipartisan legislation to counter efforts to intimidate and isolate Taiwan's allies," said Senator Curtis. "Our bill helps countries stand firm against the CCP, deepen ties with Taiwan, and ensure that U.S. dollars spent abroad make Americans safer, more secure, and more prosperous."

"Taiwan is a critical partner of the United States - and one that faces relentless pressure by the PRC, including its efforts to pick off Taiwan's diplomatic allies and pressure other countries not to deepen their unofficial ties with Taipei. This bipartisan legislation would provide a critical tool for the United States to work with Taiwan to bolster its diplomatic relationships and unofficial partnerships, push back on the PRC's efforts to coerce those who engage with Taiwan, and underscore that we will not stand for efforts to isolate Taiwan," said Senator Kim.

Bill text can be viewed here.