TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday unveiled a fiscal 2027 defense authorization bill that includes a new weapons stockpile program for Taiwan.
Indo-Pacific-related provisions include renaming the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative as the First Island Chain Security Cooperation Initiative and extending eligibility to the Philippines, per CNA. The initiative would also be extended through 2032.
The bill authorizes the Department of Defense to establish a War Reserve Stockpile program for Taiwan. It also requires a review of how delays in the US Foreign Military Sales process to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Philippines affect the Pentagon's ability to maintain a strong denial defense in the First Island Chain.
Last week, the House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The House bill includes up to US$1 billion (NT$31 billion) in funding for Taiwan's defense and requires a report on the resilience of US-Taiwan communications.
