WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Representatives Michelle Steel (R-CA-45) and Steven Horsford (D-NV-4) are leading bipartisan, bicameral legislation to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation to counter China’s growing military expansion in the region. The bipartisan Transpacific Allies Investing in Weapons to Advance National (TAIWAN) Security Act would require the Secretary of Defense to enhance defense industrial base cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in order to deepen U.S.-Taiwan defense ties, promote supply chain security, and help alleviate Taiwan’s readiness challenges. Senators Rosen and Sullivan are being joined by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in introducing this legislation in the Senate.
“As China ramps up its military buildup and aggression towards Taiwan, we must not only ensure our strength, but also bolster the strength of our democratic ally, Taiwan,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to lead a bipartisan, bicameral bill to deepen the United States’ defense ties with Taiwan, enhance supply chain resilience, and help increase Taiwan’s military readiness.”
“It is no secret that Communist China’s evil dictator, Xi Jinping, is planning to invade Taiwan and continue his attacks against democracy in a quest for world domination,” said Senator Scott. “The United States cannot sit back and let this happen, and that starts with supporting our peaceful and democratic ally Taiwan and its military. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Taiwan Security Act and take action to send a strong message to Communist China that America stands strong with Taiwan and will not bow to the will of an evil communist regime.”
“Taiwan is one of our closest partners in the Indo-Pacific, and linking arms with our allies makes all of us safer,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to strengthen defense cooperation with Taiwan and deter ongoing aggression from the Chinese military.”
“In the face of increasing Chinese aggression, the United States must shore up our relationship with Taiwan today,” said Senator Ernst. “By strengthening our defense cooperation with this key Indo-Pacific partner, we can counter China’s malign influence and send a clear message that the world will not bow to the Chinese Communist Party.”
“Taiwan is an important strategic partner for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region and, as China continues its destabilizing policies and escalatory actions, I remain as committed as ever to maintaining their ability to defend themselves against the PRC,” said Senator Duckworth. “That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to help Senator Rosen introduce this important bipartisan legislation that would strengthen our support for Taiwan and help them improve military readiness.”
“It’s crucial that we support Taiwan as we strive to maintain balance and ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congressman Horsford. “The TAIWAN Security Act will strengthen our defense partnership with Taiwan to enhance both our supply chain security and resilience. Modeled on our cooperation with India, this legislation will bolster the Indo-Pacific’s stability in the face of growing military challenges from China.”
“America’s enemies – from Russia and Iran, to the CCP and North Korea – are on the move, and it is more essential than ever that we show our steadfast commitment to our allies, including Taiwan,” said Congresswoman Steel. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Sen. Rosen and Rep. Horsford to ensure that the United States and Taiwan can adequately research, develop, and produce the defense supplies we both need to stop the CCP’s advances and protect democracy.”
Senator Rosen has been working to support Taiwan and push back against the Chinese Communist Party’s authoritarian aggression. Earlier this year, she helped introduce a bipartisan resolution commending Taiwan for its commitment to democratic elections and institutions, despite ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Last year, Rosen’s Taiwan Cybersecurity Resiliency Act, which requires the U.S. Department of Defense to expand cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan to help them counter cyber threats from China, became law as part of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
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