Peters Announces New Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Formulate U.S. Response to a Potential Taiwan Invasion

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) announced new bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Commerce, the Department of State, and other federal agencies to report to Congress on the United States’ non-kinetic options to both prepare for and respond to an attack from the Chinese government on Taiwan, including opportunities to sanction the Chinese government and preempt Beijing’s retaliatory measures. Peters introduced the Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), while U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) will introduce companion legislation in the House.

“The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is critical and we must protect against malign actors like the Chinese government that threaten the sovereignty of other nations – especially amid Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine,” said Senator Peters. “While efforts to deter aggression are essential, this bipartisan bill would help ensure we are prepared for and would be ready to respond in the event the Chinese government violates Taiwan’s sovereignty.” 

“The threat of a reckless blockade or invasion of Taiwan from the CCP is real and one that both the U.S. and our international allies must be prepared for,” said Senator Rubio. “At a time when our nation’s reliance on China’s genocidal regime leaves us hostage to Beijing's leverage, we must develop a strategy to respond to the CCP’s hostile acts.” 

General Secretary Xi Jinping has ordered the People’s Liberation Army, the military wing of the Chinese government, to be prepared to invade Taiwan by 2027. This would inflict devastating consequences on our allies and U.S. servicemembers in the region, as well as our nation. Congress must ensure that we have a clear strategy to protect our economy and significantly strengthen our partners in the region as a deterrent to inflict maximum consequences on the Chinese government in the event of such an act of aggression. 

The bill would require the DoD, in collaboration with the Intelligence Community and the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, and Homeland Security, to outline an effective sanctions strategy against the People’s Republic of China in the event of aggression against Taiwan. The strategy would also examine how an invasion of Taiwan would affect the United States. In addition, it would identify the steps necessary to preemptively mitigate national vulnerabilities, including by making recommendations to strengthen economic resilience. 

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