U.S. congressman introduces bill to help boost Taiwan's defense

ROC Central News Agency

2018/05/28 12:36:28

Washington, May 27 (CNA) A U.S. congressman has introduced a bill to establish a Taiwan Defense Assessment Commission, strengthening the U.S. commitment to the defense of Taiwan.

The Taiwan Defense Assessment Commission Act introduced on May 7 by Don Bacon, a Republican member of the U.S. House, proposes a commission be established not later than 90 days after the enactment of the Act to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Taiwan's defense establishment and provide recommendations to help boost Taiwan's self-defense capability.

The bill indicates it is the policy of the United States to reinforce its commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and consistent with the "Six Assurances" as both governments work to improve Taiwan's self-defense capability.

It also proposes that not later than one year after the commission is established, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Taiwan's Defense Minister and the congressional defense committees a report on the recommendations of the Commission.

Similarly, the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, which includes provisions to help strengthen Taiwan's military capability, cleared the U.S. House of Representatives on May 24.

Section 1253, headed "Strengthening Taiwan's Force Readiness," directs the U.S. secretary of defense to conduct a comprehensive assessment, in consultation with appropriate counterparts in Taiwan, on ways to enhance and reform Taiwan's military forces, particularly Taiwan's reserve forces, according to the text of the bill published by the House.

The assessment would also require the development of recommendations to strengthen bilateral cooperation and improve Taiwan's self-defense capabilities.

The secretary of defense, in consultation with the secretary of state, would be required to submit a report on the assessment and a list of recommendations and planned actions to the appropriate congressional committees not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, it reads.

(By Chiang Chin-yeh and Evelyn Kao)
Enditem/AW