Taiwan International Solidarity Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2416
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-05-06: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T03:08:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Taiwan International Solidarity Act (H.R. 2416) aims to bolster U.S. support for Taiwan's international participation and diplomatic ties by amending the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019. It clarifies the U.S. position on key historical resolutions, directs U.S. opposition to efforts by the People's Republic of China (PRC) to limit Taiwan's global engagement, and promotes coordination with allies to counter such actions.

Key Provisions

Clarification on UN Resolution 2758: Adds language stating that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) only recognized PRC representatives as China's delegates to the UN. It explicitly notes that the resolution does not address Taiwan's representation, its people's status in the UN or related bodies, or Taiwan's sovereignty. It also affirms U.S. opposition to any changes to Taiwan's status without the consent of its people.
U.S. Advocacy in International Organizations: Instructs U.S. representatives in international organizations (e.g., those where Taiwan seeks membership or observer status, like the World Health Organization) to use their influence to resist PRC attempts to alter decisions, language, policies, or procedures in ways that exclude or distort Taiwan's role based on the "One China" principle.
Encouraging Allies to Support Taiwan: Directs the U.S. to urge its allies and partners to oppose PRC efforts that weaken Taiwan's official diplomatic relationships or its non-official partnerships with countries lacking formal ties to Taiwan.
Expanded Reporting Requirements: Requires the U.S. Department of State to include in its annual reports details on PRC attempts to undermine Taiwan's membership or observer status in international organizations and its international relationships.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act amends the TAIPEI Act of 2019, which already promotes Taiwan's participation in international bodies and strengthens U.S.-Taiwan ties. Key changes include:

Inserting new paragraphs (10 and 11) into Section 2(a) to provide a detailed interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and U.S. policy on Taiwan's status.
Adding a new paragraph (5) to Section 4 to mandate active U.S. resistance to PRC distortions in international organizations.
Adding a new paragraph (5) to Section 5(a) to expand U.S. encouragement of allies against PRC interference in Taiwan's diplomacy.
Modifying Section 5(b) to broaden report contents, effective immediately upon enactment, applying to future reports.

These amendments build on the TAIPEI Act's framework without altering its core structure but enhance its focus on countering PRC influence.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of State will face increased responsibilities in diplomatic advocacy, reporting, and coordination with allies, potentially requiring additional resources for monitoring and influencing international organizations.
On Citizens and International Relations: Strengthens Taiwan's ability to engage globally, benefiting Taiwanese people by preserving their international voice. It may heighten U.S.-PRC tensions, as it directly challenges Beijing's "One China" narrative, possibly straining bilateral relations or trade. U.S. allies could see more pressure to align with U.S. policy, fostering stronger multilateral support for Taiwan but risking diplomatic friction with China.
Broader Effects: Promotes stability in the Asia-Pacific by reinforcing Taiwan's de facto independence in international forums, without altering U.S. recognition of the PRC as China's government.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Taiwan: Gains enhanced U.S. backing for its international participation and diplomatic resilience against PRC pressure.
People's Republic of China: Faces direct U.S. and allied opposition to its efforts to isolate Taiwan, potentially complicating its global influence.
U.S. Government and Allies: U.S. diplomats, the State Department, and partners (e.g., Japan, Australia, European nations) are tasked with active advocacy, affecting foreign policy implementation.
International Organizations: Bodies like the UN, WHO, and WTO may experience U.S.-led pushes for inclusive policies on Taiwan, influencing membership debates.
Countries with Ties to Taiwan: Nations maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan (most countries) benefit from U.S. encouragement to resist PRC coercion.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces U.S. interpretation of international law (e.g., UN Resolution 2758) without creating new treaties, aligning with existing U.S. policy under the Taiwan Relations Act (1979). The reporting mandate ensures congressional oversight of executive actions.
Constitutional: Supports Congress's role in foreign affairs under Article I, potentially checking executive discretion in international diplomacy while upholding the president's treaty powers.
Political: Signals bipartisan U.S. commitment to Taiwan amid rising PRC assertiveness, which could deter aggression but escalate geopolitical rivalries. It avoids recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign state, maintaining the U.S. "One China" policy, but emphasizes democratic consent and self-determination for Taiwan's people.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]

Cosponsors (12)

Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

Recent Actions

2025-05-06: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2025-05-05: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-05-05: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1836)
2025-05-05: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1836)
2025-05-05: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2416.
2025-05-05: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1836-1838)
2025-05-05: Mr. Mast moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2025-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
2025-03-27: Introduced in House
2025-03-27: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Taiwan International Solidarity Act — issued 2025-05-05 — PDF (6 pages)
Taiwan International Solidarity Act — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (5 pages)
Taiwan International Solidarity Act — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (5 pages)