TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US Senate on Oct. 9 passed a defense bill allocating US$1 billion (NT$30.61 billion) in military aid for Taiwan and recommending its participation in the next Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).
The National Defense Authorization Act passed with a 77-20 vote, authorizing US$925 billion in military expenditures. Staff for Senator Jacky Rosen told CNA that the bill includes military aid to Taiwan under the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.
The bill "strongly encouraged" the US defense secretary to invite the Taiwan Navy to participate in the biennial RIMPAC exercises. If an invitation is not extended, the defense secretary must provide a written justification within 30 days.
Held every two years, RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise and enhances interoperability among Indo-Pacific militaries. The US Navy calls it a unique training opportunity essential for maintaining cooperation and ensuring the security of sea lanes.
The bill also directs the Pentagon to collaborate with Taiwan on joint drone and counter-drone projects. It also calls for an assessment of Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure and recommendations for its protection.
The bill includes a provision for prioritizing orders for countries such as Israel, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, and NATO members under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System.
The bill mandates partnerships between the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit and appropriate Taiwanese counterparts to expand market opportunities for US and Taiwan defense technology companies and strengthen Taiwan's defense industrial base. This initiative serves to counter the development of dual-use technologies by the CCP and its proxy groups.
The legislation requires the Pentagon to submit a "Taiwan Security Assistance Roadmap," outlining a multi-year plan to meet Taiwan's defense needs. It also mandates a report on the potential establishment of a "regional contingency stockpile" to support Taiwan.
Senator Dave McCormick said on Oct. 9 that this year’s NDAA includes the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, requiring the US Governor of the International Monetary Fund to support Taiwan’s bid to join the organization.
The House of Representatives passed its own version of the NDAA in September. The two chambers will now work to reconcile the differences before sending a final version to the White House for the president’s signature.
