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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Senate bills remind Trump that Taiwan remains a priority before key Xi meeting in April

Thursday’s bills send signal to White House that US partnership with Taipei must not be forgotten as Trump threatens Cuba tariffs

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US President Donald Trump was reminded that Taipei still merits support after a US congressional panel advanced four Taiwan-related bills on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Khushboo Razdanin Washington
A key US congressional panel on Thursday advanced four Taiwan-related bills aimed at strengthening the island’s energy security, communications resilience and diplomatic influence as lawmakers ramp up efforts to counter Beijing ahead of President Donald Trump’s expected visit to China in April.
The move by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee reflects a broader trend in Congress, where support for Taiwan often exceeds the administration’s position. Thursday’s coordinated action on the bills signals to the White House that the US-Taiwan partnership remains a priority.

Trump issued a new executive order Thursday that would impose unspecified tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, in response to the island’s strong ties with China and Russia, part of his approach to mix pressure on China with engagement.

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The Taiwan bills advancing on Thursday include the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act; the Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act; the Taiwan Allies Fund Act; and the Strategic Subsea Cables Act, which seeks to broaden strategic cable protection. The four focus on practical risks Taiwan could face under heightened pressure or conflict with Beijing.

The Energy Security Act directs the US to prioritise energy and technology exports to Taiwan to counter potential blockades. An amendment noted that in 2024, the United States exported far more liquefied natural gas to Beijing than to Taipei.

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The Undersea Cable Resilience Act addresses Taiwan’s vulnerable communications infrastructure.

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