US Senators Reintroduce Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act, Urging Increased Investment in Defense Capabilities
Bipartisan US Senators introduced the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act to comprehensively upgrade US-Taiwan relations, urging Taiwan to boost investments in asymmetric defense strategies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 10:26
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 11:31 (1h 5m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 03:33 (64h 1m after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Liao Han-yuan, Washington, 15th) US bipartisan Senators John Curtis and Jeff Merkley today reintroduced the "Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act" to comprehensively elevate US-Taiwan relations. The bill, previously introduced three times by current Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urges Taiwan to invest in boosting combat capabilities and asymmetric defense strategies.
Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley teamed up today to propose the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act, ensuring that US policy supports Taiwan's democracy and international participation. The original version was introduced by Marco Rubio, then a Senator and now Secretary of State, amid China's increasing military and diplomatic aggression toward Taiwan.
Curtis stated that Taiwan, as an ally, is the most strategically and morally significant partner of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, while ensuring that policy aligns with American principles. The "Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act" will elevate the status of the top diplomatic personnel to Taiwan, encourage high-level cooperation and mutual visits between the two governments, and jointly combat the Chinese Communist Party's disinformation campaigns against Taiwan.
Merkley pointed out that the US and Taiwan are long-standing partners sharing a steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The US must use all means to strengthen its relationship with Taiwan. Taiwan is the most vibrant democratic entity in East Asia, and both sides should work together to advance a future world built on democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
Key points of the bill include: The appointment of the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) must be confirmed by the Senate. Establishing and streamlining an interagency Taiwan policy working group. Promoting Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations. Strengthening US-Taiwan economic and security cooperation and interactions at equivalent levels. Proposing strategies to protect US businesses and non-governmental organizations from coercion by the Chinese government. Supporting Taiwan in responding to the Chinese government's malicious attempts to influence Taiwan's democratic institutions and processes.
Rubio and Merkley previously introduced the bill in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Curtis, who recently led a delegation to Taiwan, and Merkley joined forces to present the 2026 version. The provisions emphasize urging Taiwan to increase investment in combat capabilities, support asymmetric defense strategies, and prioritize Free Trade Agreement negotiations. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150416
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship from you is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, pictures, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.
Republican Senator John Curtis and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley teamed up today to propose the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act, ensuring that US policy supports Taiwan's democracy and international participation. The original version was introduced by Marco Rubio, then a Senator and now Secretary of State, amid China's increasing military and diplomatic aggression toward Taiwan.
Curtis stated that Taiwan, as an ally, is the most strategically and morally significant partner of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, while ensuring that policy aligns with American principles. The "Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act" will elevate the status of the top diplomatic personnel to Taiwan, encourage high-level cooperation and mutual visits between the two governments, and jointly combat the Chinese Communist Party's disinformation campaigns against Taiwan.
Merkley pointed out that the US and Taiwan are long-standing partners sharing a steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The US must use all means to strengthen its relationship with Taiwan. Taiwan is the most vibrant democratic entity in East Asia, and both sides should work together to advance a future world built on democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
Key points of the bill include: The appointment of the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) must be confirmed by the Senate. Establishing and streamlining an interagency Taiwan policy working group. Promoting Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations. Strengthening US-Taiwan economic and security cooperation and interactions at equivalent levels. Proposing strategies to protect US businesses and non-governmental organizations from coercion by the Chinese government. Supporting Taiwan in responding to the Chinese government's malicious attempts to influence Taiwan's democratic institutions and processes.
Rubio and Merkley previously introduced the bill in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Curtis, who recently led a delegation to Taiwan, and Merkley joined forces to present the 2026 version. The provisions emphasize urging Taiwan to increase investment in combat capabilities, support asymmetric defense strategies, and prioritize Free Trade Agreement negotiations. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150416
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship from you is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, pictures, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.