TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Democratic and Republican senators plan to introduce a bill this week aimed at supporting countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Co-sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative John Curtis, the bipartisan bill focuses on Latin American and Caribbean nations, aiming to strengthen cooperation with Taipei, Reuters reported.

"The United States cannot afford to be weak in the face of the People’s Republic of China and its aggression around the world," Merkley said in a statement.

"No matter who is in the White House, America's values of freedom and human rights must remain at the heart of a clear and principled vision that guides our leadership on the global stage," he added.

Reuters reported that two additional bills targeting China’s treatment of minority groups and political dissidents will also be reviewed.

The news follows President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) decision to cancel a diplomatic trip to Central and South America on Tuesday after the US rejected a request for a stopover in New York.

Lai had originally planned to visit Belize, Guatemala, and Paraguay in August.