diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index c01275665..357021d86 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -16,3 +16,7 @@ branches:
     bumpMinorPreMajor: true
     handleGHRelease: true
     branch: 2.6.x
+  - releaseType: java-backport
+    bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    branch: 2.16.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 7a120c78d..ab7506ed4 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -55,6 +55,16 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - units (8)
       - units (11)
       - cla/google
+  - pattern: 2.16.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: true
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - bazel
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - cla/google
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin