Economy

U.S. Senate Bill Targets China: How New Sanctions Could Deter Aggression Against Taiwan

Risch to introduce bill deterring China‘s Taiwan aggression. Task force to identify targets for sanctions.

October 4, 2025, 4:29 PM

The US Capitol Building framed by autumn trees and a street with parked cars in Washington DC

The United States Capitol Building, the legislative center of the US government, framed by trees with autumn foliage. By Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

Senator Jim Risch is introducing the “Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act” to establish a task force identifying economic targets for sanctions, drawing lessons from responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The proposed legislation aims to prepare the U.S. to impose rapid and significant economic costs on China by targeting military and non-military entities with sanctions and export controls if Beijing uses force against Taiwan.

This legislative initiative emerges amidst heightened U.S.-China tensions, ahead of an anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and amid concerns regarding U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense.

The Story So Far

The proposed legislation to deter Chinese aggression against Taiwan stems from Beijing’s consistent refusal to renounce the use of force to bring the democratically governed island under its control, coupled with its intensified military and political pressure on Taiwan. This initiative also arises amidst heightened U.S.-China tensions and concerns that President Donald Trump might prioritize a trade deal with China, potentially leading to concessions regarding Taiwan, despite the U.S. officially opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo. The bill aims to establish a task force for economic sanctions, drawing on lessons from international responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, to preemptively impose significant costs on China if it were to use force.

Why This Matters

Senator Risch’s proposed “Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act” signals a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards preemptive economic deterrence, aiming to prepare significant sanctions against China should it use force against Taiwan. This legislative move underscores broad congressional support for Taiwan’s defense, potentially influencing upcoming U.S.-China negotiations and reinforcing Washington’s commitment amidst concerns about President Trump’s stance on the island’s security.

Who Thinks What?

Senator Jim Risch and a broad segment of the U.S. Congress advocate for preemptive legislation to deter potential Chinese aggression against Taiwan, aiming to establish a framework for significant economic sanctions and measures.

China asserts that the Taiwan issue is an internal affair, rejects external interference, and urges the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle while ceasing actions that undermine bilateral relations.

Some foreign policy experts and individuals in Taiwan express concern that President Donald Trump might be less committed to Taiwan’s defense, potentially offering concessions to Beijing in pursuit of a major trade agreement.

Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced on Friday his intention to introduce legislation designed to deter potential Chinese aggression against Taiwan. The proposed “Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act” would establish a task force to identify economic targets for sanctions and other measures, drawing on lessons from international responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Legislation Details

The proposed legislation aims to create a task force, led by the State and Treasury Departments, to pinpoint Chinese military and non-military entities. These targets would be subject to potential sanctions, export controls, and other rapid economic measures should Beijing use force against Taiwan.

Senator Risch stated that the bill would ensure the U.S. is prepared to impose significant costs on China if it acts on its threats against Taiwan. An aide confirmed that the bill is slated for introduction on Monday.

China’s Stance

In response to inquiries, the Chinese foreign ministry asserted that the Taiwan issue is an internal affair, rejecting any external interference. Beijing urged the U.S. to adhere strictly to the one-China principle and cease undermining bilateral relations and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Geopolitical Context

This legislative initiative emerges amidst heightened tensions and ahead of an anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping this month. A significant trade deal is expected to be a key agenda item during their discussions.

China has consistently refused to renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and has intensified military and political pressure on the democratically governed island in recent years.

U.S. Policy and Concerns

The U.S. serves as Taipei’s primary international backer. However, some foreign policy experts and individuals in Taiwan have expressed concerns that President Trump might be less committed to Taiwan’s defense than previous U.S. presidents, potentially offering concessions to Beijing to secure a major trade agreement.

The U.S. State Department maintains that Washington’s position on Taiwan remains unchanged, opposing any unilateral alterations to the status quo by either side. Analysts suggest China desires an explicit U.S. statement opposing Taiwan’s independence, rather than merely not supporting it.

Congressional Support

Risch’s bill is one of several legislative efforts currently underway in the Senate and House of Representatives. These initiatives collectively underscore broad congressional support for maintaining a firm stance against any Chinese moves targeting Taiwan.

Key Takeaways

This legislative initiative highlights Washington’s strategic shift towards preemptive economic deterrence in the face of escalating geopolitical risks in the Indo-Pacific. It also reflects ongoing policy debates within the U.S. regarding the most effective approach to managing China’s ambitions concerning Taiwan.