S.Amdt. 3325

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Merkley, adds the United States - Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act to bill S. 2296. Its purpose is to support countries in the Caribbean and Latin America that keep diplomatic ties with Taiwan and to stop the People's Republic of China from using pressure or financial manipulation to force those countries to break those ties.

Key Changes and Additions

• Policy Goals: The amendment establishes a U.S. policy to counter the People's Republic of China's efforts to coerce governments in the region and to increase coordination with Taiwan on its economic and development engagement in the Western Hemisphere.

• Monitoring Mechanism: It requires the Secretary of State to create a system to track infrastructure and development projects by the People's Republic of China in countries that maintain ties with Taiwan. This system will identify strategic risks or non-transparent financing and coordinate U.S. responses.

• Reporting Requirements: The Secretary of State must provide several reports to Congress:

• Semiannual reports on governments taking steps to end relations with Taiwan.

• A detailed plan within 30 days if it is determined a government is moving to terminate relations with Taiwan.

• An annual report for 5 years assessing the interests and pressure tactics of the People's Republic of China in the region.

• Strategic Coordination: The Secretary of State is directed to expand coordination by aligning public diplomacy, coordinating technical cooperation with allies, and encouraging collaboration between U.S. embassies and Taiwan's representative offices.