; people-to-people engagement. Sec. 304. Imposition of sanctions and suspension of United States assistance. Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations. 2. Findings Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Indo-Pacific region— (A) represents nearly 1/2 of the global population; (B) is home to some of the most dynamic economies in the world; and (C) poses security challenges that threaten to undermine United States national security interests, regional peace, and global stability. (2) The core tenants of the United States-backed international system are being challenged with increasingly coercive behavior, including— (A) China’s illegal construction and militarization of artificial features in the South China Sea; (B) North Korea’s acceleration of its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities; and (C) the increased presence throughout Southeast Asia of the Islamic State (referred to in this Act as ISIS ) and other international terrorist organizations that threaten the United States. (3) The economic order in the Indo-Pacific region continues to transform, presenting both opportunities and challenges to United States economic interests. (4) The United States has a fundamental interest in defending human rights and promoting the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region. Although many countries in that region have improved the treatment of their citizens, several Indo-Pacific countries continue to be human rights abusers and there are serious concerns with political rights and civil liberties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (5) Without strong leadership from the United States, the international system, fundamentally rooted in the rule of law, may wither, to the detriment of United States, regional, and global interests. It is imperative that the United States continue to play a leading role in the Indo-Pacific region by— (A) defending peace and security; (B) advancing economic prosperity