US lawmakers propose fund for Taiwan’s ‘friends’ facing pressure from Beijing

A new bipartisan bill would direct US assistance to countries that face economic backlash from China for attempting to forge ties with Taiwan.

The proposal, which leaders of the House select committee on China plan to introduce on Friday, aims to encourage other countries to strengthen bonds with Taiwan and to aid those who have done so and who are facing economic pressure from Beijing. In recent years, countries like Nauru have severed ties with Taiwan in favor of China.

The measure would authorize $120 million over three years for a new...