US Senators Reintroduce Taiwan Relations Bill to Counter Rising Chinese Pressure

May 8, 2025: In a renewed effort to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan ties amid escalating tensions with China, Senators John Curtis (Republican) and Jeff Merkley (Democrat) have reintroduced the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act. The bipartisan legislation, announced on Monday, aims to solidify America’s support for Taiwan’s democratic institutions and its participation in the global community.

This marks the fourth attempt to advance the bill, following previous introductions in 2020, 2021, and 2023, none of which progressed beyond the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Senator Curtis emphasized the urgency of the legislation, stating, “Our alliance with Taiwan is one of the most strategically and morally significant partnerships America has in the Indo-Pacific, and we need to ensure our policies match our principles.” He added that the act will deepen bilateral ties by enhancing diplomatic representation, encouraging high-level engagement, and confronting Chinese Communist Party disinformation campaigns targeting Taiwan.

One of the bill’s key proposals is the redesignation of the director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) — the de facto U.S. embassy — as a “representative.” This role would then require Senate confirmation, aligning it with standard ambassadorial appointments.

The legislation also calls for the creation of an interagency Taiwan task force. This group, composed of senior U.S. officials, would provide annual reports to Congress with strategic recommendations to bolster U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Additionally, the act mandates the U.S. Secretary of State to report to Congress on efforts to counter “sharp power operations” — covert influence campaigns by the Chinese government aimed at undermining Taiwan’s democratic processes.

The broader scope of the bill includes directives to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, advance bilateral trade negotiations, and invite Taiwanese leaders to key multilateral summits, military exercises, and economic forums.

To become law, the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act must pass both chambers of Congress and receive the President’s signature.