TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US House of Representatives passed the Pacific Partnership Act on Monday (Sept. 9), which aims to strengthen cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Taiwan. 

The bill comes amid “China week” at the US Congress, with legislation aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). House Speaker Mike Johnson said his goal is to sign a major piece of legislation related to China before the US elects a new president this November. 

Among the bills passed on Monday, the "Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act" and "Pacific Partnership Act" mentioned Taiwan, per CNA. Both bills passed in the House without objection and will be sent to the Senate for approval. 

The Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act targets the assets of senior Chinese officials to deter intrusions into Taiwan. The Pacific Partnership Act requires the US government to develop a partnership strategy to help countries in the region respond to threats such as military operations, economic coercion, corruption, and natural disasters. 

Unlike most of the bills coming out of "China week,” the Pacific Partnership Act does not directly call out China or the CCP. The bill states that America should work with allies and partners with interests in the region, such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Taiwan, as well as with regional institutions such as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

The PIF has recently become a flashpoint in cross-strait relations, as both Taiwan and China seek to maintain influence in the region. Both Taipei and Beijing sent representatives to participate in the forum this year. 

Before the forum, reports surfaced that the Solomon Islands, Taiwan's former diplomatic ally, was acting on Beijing's behalf to suppress Taiwan's right to participate next year. Due to pressure from China, a statement reaffirming Taiwan's status was reportedly deleted in the final version.