US Republicans Introduce 'Taiwan War Deterrence Act'... Plan to Invest 2 Trillion Won Annually in Military Aid

Taiwanese fighter jets conducting emergency takeoff and landing drills in preparation for a potential Chinese military invasion last September.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] U.S. Republican lawmakers are pushing for a plan to invest at least 2 trillion won annually in military aid to Taiwan.

On the 4th (local time), according to major foreign media, six senators, including James Risch, the Republican ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, jointly introduced the "Taiwan War Deterrence Act."

The Taiwan War Deterrence Act aims to strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities to deter China's attacks around the Taiwan Strait. It stipulates providing military aid worth $2 billion (2.37 trillion won) annually, including funding and loans, until 2032. The bill also includes provisions to partially amend the existing Arms Export Control Act to make it easier for the U.S. to sell weapons to Taiwan.

However, the bill includes a condition that Taiwan must increase its own defense spending by the amount of aid received from the U.S. It also requires Taiwan to agree to U.S. participation when establishing its long-term defense plans.

Senator Risch emphasized, "Defending Taiwan is crucial for future peace and the security of the entire Indo-Pacific region," adding, "If the bill passes, $2 billion will be provided annually to Taiwan, but this is not a blank check." He further stated, "The condition for this support is a greater commitment to defense than what President Tsai Ing-wen advocates."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.