Amid escalating tensions with China, the U.S. Senate introduces a bipartisan bill to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities and supply chain resilience.
Washington, D.C. - In response to China's growing military buildup and aggression towards Taiwan, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has introduced a bill aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two nations and addressing potential supply chain and readiness challenges.
Led by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), the Transpacific Allies Investing in Weapons to Advance National (TAIWAN) Security Act would require Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to "appropriately consider" enhanced defense industrial base cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Senator Rosen emphasized the importance of supporting Taiwan as a "democratic ally" facing military threats from China. The bill would enhance supply chain resilience and increase Taiwan's military readiness.
"As China ramps up its military buildup and aggression towards Taiwan, we must not only ensure our strength, but also bolster the strength of our democratic ally, Taiwan," Rosen said.
The measure has received support from both Republican and Democratic senators, including Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).
Senator Scott stressed the urgency of supporting Taiwan against China's "evil dictator" Xi Jinping, who seeks "world domination." He called on the U.S. to "not sit back and let this happen."
The bill also has a House counterpart introduced by Representatives Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) and Steven Horsford (D-Nev.).
The introduction of the bipartisan bill aligns with growing concerns within Congress over China's aggressive stance towards Taiwan. Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that China is preparing to be "ready to invade Taiwan by 2027."
Despite opposing China's "One China" principle, the U.S. has provided military aid to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. As part of the recently passed $95 billion foreign aid supplemental package, Taiwan received $8 billion to enhance its defenses against Chinese threats.
China has strongly condemned the U.S. foreign aid package, promising "resolute and forceful steps" to defend its sovereignty. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the U.S. of violating the "One China" principle and emboldening "Taiwan independence separatist forces."
In a recent election, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen won re-election, signaling the Taiwanese people's strong rejection of reunification with China. China has claimed Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly threatened to use force to achieve unification.
The bipartisan TAIWAN Security Act reflects the growing U.S. commitment to supporting Taiwan's defense and ensuring regional stability. It underscores the concerns within Congress about China's military buildup and aggression towards Taiwan. As tensions escalate in the Taiwan Strait, the international community will continue to monitor the situation closely.
