US fund for countries facing Beijing ‘coercion’ on Taiwan proposed in Congress
- ‘Taiwan Allies Fund’ would encourage nations that ‘lack the economic or political capability to effectively respond’ to retaliation from China
- Only 12 countries maintain official diplomatic ties to Taipei, with the Pacific island state of Nauru the latest to switch recognition to Beijing
A bipartisan bill introduced in the US Congress on Friday would direct US assistance to countries that face “coercion or pressure” from China for trying to deepen ties with Taiwan.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat of Illinois and ranking member of the House select committee on China, would authorise US$120 million over three years for a “Taiwan Allies Fund”.
“The [Chinese Communist Party] has engaged in a years-long campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, one of our closest friends in the world,” Krishnamoorthi said on Friday.
“It is time for the United States to stand with Taiwan in the face of diplomatic pressure from Beijing that seeks to undermine Taiwan’s rightful participation on the international stage,” he added.
The new fund would form part of a broader “Countering PRC Influence Fund”, and qualifying countries would be eligible to receive up to US$5 million a year.
