Bill introduced to fast-track U.S. arms sales to Taiwan
ROC Central News Agency
05/04/2022 01:28 PM
Washington, May 3 (CNA) United States Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill on Tuesday aimed at fast-tracking the transfer of American weapon systems to Taiwan and strengthening joint military training to make sure Taiwan can defend itself in case of a Chinese invasion.
In a statement released by Rubio's office Tuesday, Rubio said he proposed the bill because what happened in Ukraine will not be the last time an authoritarian regime invades its neighbor.
"An invasion of Taiwan could happen within this decade. Taiwan needs our support," he said, contending that the bill he introduced "will make Xi Jinping (習近平) and the Chinese Communist Party think twice before launching a foolish invasion."
Called the Taiwan Peace Through Strength Act, the bill requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct an annual review of U.S. war plans to defend Taiwan and develop a list of specific capabilities that Taiwan is approved to acquire based on that assessment, the statement said.
The bill requires DoD to fast-track foreign military sales (FMS) to Taiwan by requiring the U.S. Department of State to pre-clear the capabilities identified in the DoD annual review for expedited transfer to Taiwan, it said.
It also asks DoD to compel defense contractors to place Taiwan's FMS orders ahead of those of other countries on the production line regardless of the order in which the contracts were signed.
It further proposes to amend the Taiwan Relations Act to replace "outdated language regarding 'arms of a defensive character' with new language that sets an enhanced standard for arms sales to deter conflict with the People's Liberation Army.
The bill also recommends the establishment of a comprehensive joint training program aimed at improving Taiwan's defense capabilities, among others.
(By Stacy Hsu and Joseph Yeh)
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