Legislation seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s defense, deter CCP aggression

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) is espousing the benefits of a measure he said seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s defense and deter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican and Chairman of the China Task Force recently introduced the Taiwan Policy Act.

“Taiwan is a critical national security partner for the United States whose democracy is under an unprecedented level of threat from the CCP,” McCaul said. “Now is the time to arm our ally – before an invasion occurs, not after. I’m proud to introduce this important legislation with 36 colleagues to help improve Taiwan’s defense immediately. Deterrence is key to stopping the CCP from provoking a conflict that would seriously harm U.S. national security.”

The bill establishes tools to increase Taiwan’s military capabilities to deter and defeat a CCP attack; modernizes domestic policy toward Taiwan; increases the United States’ strategic clarity towards a CCP invasion; enhances U.S.-Taiwan bilateral relations; and supports Taiwan internationally.

Additionally, the legislation authorizes up to $6.5 billion in Foreign Military Financing over five fiscal years, contingent on Taiwan increasing non-personnel defense spending.

Joint training, planning, and exercises are also noted in the bill, as well as authorization of a munitions stockpile, FMF loans, and drawdown authority for Taiwan.