US House approves bill authorizing Taiwan’s defense funding

The US House of Representatives has approved the US$895 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions to boost Taiwan’s defense capabilities by US$300 million in military articles and training, the Taipei Times reports. .

The bill, passed by a 281-140 vote on Wednesday, aims to support Taiwan’s self-defense initiative amid rising tensions in the region.

The NDAA includes the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, designed to help Taiwan maintain its self-defense capabilities. U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, called the bill “critically important” to ensuring Taiwan’s ability to defend itself. he/she stressed that the Act would make a significant contribution to Taiwan’s defense infrastructure.

Additionally, Representative John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the US and the Chinese Communist Party, highlighted the inclusion of a study on defense industrial agreements with Taiwan.

“The bill requires a feasibility study of entering into defense industrial agreements with Taiwan to promote lethality and supply chain resiliency,” Moolenaar said.

The NDAA authorizes the Pentagon to provide military assistance to Taiwan in key areas such as anti-tank and anti-ship missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, long-range precision weapons, cyber defense, electronic warfare, and integrated air and missile defense systems . The funding is also for critical combat training, secure communications equipment, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, the Taipei Times reports.

To expedite arms deliveries, the bill directs the U.S. State and Defense Departments to provide Taiwan with defense materials directly from the U.S. stockpile and to replenish their own stocks to be used in support of Taiwan. Provide necessary materials to foreign partners.

The bill also establishes a partnership program between the United States and Taiwan in military trauma care, mental health conditions associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, and amputee care. In a related move, the bill proposes to invite Taiwan’s naval forces to participate in next year’s Rim of the Pacific exercises, although this is a non-binding suggestion.

Additionally, the bill includes the BOLSTER Act, which aims to coordinate plans with European allies in response to any attempts by China to overthrow Taiwan’s government or block its access to the territory. The NDAA also includes provisions for responding to potential cyber attacks or a naval blockade of Taiwan, the Taipei Times reports.

To assess the impact of Chinese military actions, the bill requires the US President to submit reports on the expected economic consequences of a 30-day and 180-day blockade or quarantine of Taiwan by the People’s Liberation Army.

With the approval of both the US Senate and House, the NDAA is now one step closer to becoming law, pending the signature of the US President. However, implementation of the bill also depends on the passage of a separate appropriation bill.