US defense bill to include $6.5 billion support for Taiwan

Share with:

US defense bill to include $6.5 billion support for Taiwan

Robert Besser
15 Oct 2022, 15 GMT+10

As China continues exerting pressure on Taiwan, the U.S. could soon offer billions of dollars in military aid for the democratically-governed island
It could also fast-track weapons sales and expand military cooperation
The U.S. Senate included much of the “Taiwan Policy Act of 2022” in the $817 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which was debated in Washington this week

WASHINGTON D.C.: As China continues exerting pressure on Taiwan, the U.S. could soon offer billions of dollars in military aid for the democratically-governed island, as well as fast-track weapons sales and expand military cooperation.

The U.S. Senate included much of the “Taiwan Policy Act of 2022” in the $817 billion National Defense Authorization Act, which was debated in Washington this week.

In September, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the Taiwan legislation, causing condemnation from Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be its territory and has said that it would use force to bring it under its control.

Whether the Taiwan provisions will make it into the final version of the bill is still not certain, but many would like to see it become law if the defense bill is passed as expected this year.

To bolster Taiwan’s military capabilities, the Taiwan bill includes $6.5 billion in grant assistance over five years and authorizes loans worth up to $2 billion.

The grants would depend on Taiwan increasing its own defense spending, and could give Washington extra sway in the island’s defense procurement.

U.S. military planners are also keen to see the island prioritize mobile equipment over large-scale systems, which would enable it to more effectively counter a Chinese attack.

The bill will also encourage the tracking and delivery of military equipment to Taiwan, and it requires the State Department and Pentagon to expand joint military training to improve the island’s defenses and increase compatibility with U.S. forces.

However, some parts of the Taiwan measure have raised concerns about increased tensions with China at the State Department and White House.