In an overwhelming 395-2 vote, the U.S. House passed legislation that would require “certain federal entities to seek to exclude China from six international financial organizations if the President informs Congress that China’s actions threaten Taiwan and pose a danger to U.S. interests.” (PROTECT means “Pressure Regulatory Organizations to End Chinese Threats to Taiwan.”) Now the bill goes to the Senate.
According to the official summary, the Act would trigger an attempt by the U.S. to exclude representatives of China from participating in the six international organizations “if the President informs Congress that China’s actions pose any (1) threat to Taiwan’s security, economic system, or social system; and (2) danger to U.S. interests.”
The international outfits listed are the Group of Twenty, the Bank for International Settlements, the Financial Stability Board, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, and the International Organization of Securities Commissions.
The ROC’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, appreciates the gesture (RTI News, February 12, 2026).
The bill is part of a line of concrete pro-Taiwan actions, including the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act passed last year.
Lin said, “Taiwan and the U.S. use a term called ‘symbiotic partnership,’ one that we have worked hard to achieve. What I’m promoting is a Taiwan-U.S. fleet. This isn’t just a narrow definition of military security; it also includes economic prosperity and development.”
The foreign minister thanked the U.S. executive and legislative branches for their support, trust, and attention to Taiwan. He expressed hope that the two will continue to work together to safeguard peace, create prosperity, and build a more resilient partnership.
A ”Taiwan-U.S. fleet” might be a good idea, but the minister seems to mean the words only metaphorically. In a May 2025 op-ed for Taipei Times about strengthening the partnership with the United States, Lin says that a U.S. investment team and a Taiwan investment team could form “a joint Taiwan-US fleet.” In a February 4, 2026 Foreign Affairs article, “The Free World Needs Taiwan,” Lin suggests forming “a U.S.-Taiwanese joint fleet to deepen bilateral economic ties and enhance supply chain integration.” Not one of the best metaphors ever.
How much would a PLA invasion of Taiwan be weakened in the short term or the long term if China were summarily booted from the six organizations? Maybe the proposed U.S. response is supposed to be only more or less symbolic. Be that as it may, the lawmakers can surely add more international organizations to the list. What about seeking ejection of the PRC from the United Nations and seeking renewed membership for the Republic of China? Both actions are long overdue.
