Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act
This bill, the Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act, would create a formal U.S. framework to deter potential PRC (People’s Republic of China) aggression against Taiwan through economic tools. It declares a sense of Congress that the United States should impose sanctions on entities connected to the PRC or the Chinese Communist Party that support actions aimed at undermining Taiwan’s government, territory, or essential functions (including naval blockades, seizure of outlying islands, or significant cyber or physical attacks). To implement this, the bill establishes a PRC Sanctions Task Force—an interagency group led by the State Department and Treasury—tasked with identifying targets for sanctions, developing authorities if needed, assessing economic implications, coordinating with allies, and reporting findings to Congress. It also requires an annual (classified) report detailing targets, authorities, potential impacts, and resource needs. Overall, the act codifies a structured, proactive approach to sanctions as a deterrent against PRC moves on Taiwan.
Key Points
- 1Deter PRC aggression against Taiwan: The bill creates a legislative framework to sanction entities that assist actions seeking to overthrow, occupy, or threaten Taiwan’s governance and territories, including blockades or significant attacks.
- 2Establishment of a PRC Sanctions Task Force: Within 180 days, an interagency task force (led by State and Treasury with DNI input) will be formed to identify entities for sanctions and economic actions.
- 3Strategic analysis and authorities: The Task Force must brief Congress within 180 days of its formation, assessing how existing sanctions could be used, proposing new authorities if needed, analyzing economic impacts, and identifying mitigation options and coordination with allies.
- 4Sector and entity targeting: The Task Force will identify foreign military or non-military entities likely to be used to achieve PRC objectives, including in shipping, logistics, energy, maritime, aviation, transportation, and technology sectors, and consider how to target PRC officials, state-owned enterprises, and related actors.
- 5Annual (classified) reporting: Starting within about six months of the initial briefing and annually thereafter, the Task Force must report on identified entities, needed authorities, potential impacts, mitigation measures, coordination with allies, and resource needs.