TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Senators Jeff Merkley, John Curtis, Tim Kaine, and Pete Ricketts on Friday introduced the United States-Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act to support Taiwan and its diplomatic allies in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The bill aims to bolster US engagement with nations in the region that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan, according to a press release from Merkley’s office. It would also establish a mechanism for monitoring Chinese infrastructure and development projects in those countries.

The legislation requires regular reports to Congress on China’s pressure tactics and US efforts to support Taiwan’s allies. It also encourages deeper coordination between the US and Taiwan in the region — including joint development initiatives, public diplomacy, and enhanced collaboration between US embassies and Taiwan’s representative offices.

Merkley said the 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.”

Curtis praised the measure for reinforcing US commitment to its allies. “We stand with our allies, and we will not allow authoritarian pressure to dictate the choices of sovereign nations,” he said.

“As China expands its reach around the world, it’s critical to US national security that we prioritize strengthening alliances between our democratic partners,” Kaine added.

Ricketts emphasized the importance of the region to Taiwan’s international standing. “Latin American and Caribbean countries represent over half of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies. The United States-Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act will ensure these critical relations endure,” he said.

In May, Merkley and Curtis also co-sponsored the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act, which aims to deepen bilateral ties.