A bipartisan group of U.S. senators led by Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., introduced the Transpacific Allies Investing in Weapons to Advance National (TAIWAN) Security Act. The bill aims to fortify Taiwan and its supply chain in the face of increasing military threats from China.
The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska and other senators, seeks to deepen defense ties between the U.S. and Taiwan. Sen. Rosen emphasized the importance of bolstering Taiwan's military readiness amidst China's aggressive behavior towards the island.
The legislation requires Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to consider enhanced defense industrial base cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan. A House version of the bill was also introduced by Reps. Michelle Steel, R-Calif., and Steven Horsford, D-Nev.
Sen. Rick Scott highlighted the threat posed by China's President Xi Jinping, stating that the U.S. must support Taiwan to prevent any invasion attempts. The bill is part of a broader effort to strengthen Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region against Chinese aggression.
Recently, a $95 billion foreign aid supplemental package was passed to support countries like Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. China criticized the aid package, accusing the U.S. of violating its sovereignty by providing military assistance to Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the aid package, claiming it emboldens separatist forces in Taiwan. An admiral from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command warned that China is preparing for a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027 through aggressive military buildup.
