Sen. Kaine marks five years of Taipei Act; witnesses warn China’s influence in Latin America risks diplomatic and economic fallout

Senator Kaine opened a hearing of the Western Hemisphere Committee to mark the five‑year anniversary of the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Act, saying the law "has been pivotal in protecting Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies from Beijing's coercion." He and witnesses urged the United States to redouble diplomatic and economic engagement with Taiwan’s partners in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The hearing centered on three linked concerns: Beijing’s use of economic incentives and political pressure to pull diplomatic recognition away from Taiwan; the security implications if Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation accelerates; and the mixed record of PRC‑backed infrastructure projects in the region. Kaine announced he will join a bipartisan group to introduce the Taiwan Allies Fund Act to dedicate a portion of existing counter‑PRC funding to help countries that stand with Taiwan.

An academic witness testified that the number of…