The US bill aims to encourage arms transfers to Taiwan

International Participation:
The bill encourages the United States and European countries to counter China’s propaganda and false narratives about UN Resolution 2758.

US Senators Pete Ricketts and Jeanne Shaheen introduced a bill on Friday to facilitate Europe’s transfer of US-made weapons to Taiwan to encourage improved cooperation between European countries and Taipei.

Ricketts, a Republican, and Shaheen, a Democrat, proposed the Building Options for Taiwan’s Enduring Security through the European Bolster (Bolster) Act, which aims to create a mechanism for easier transfer of US equipment to NATO countries in Europe in support of Taiwan’s security. , Ricketts said in a statement.

The bill was launched after President William Lai (賴清德) took office on Monday and China began a massive two-day military exercise around Taiwan on Thursday.

The bill would require the U.S. Secretary of State to establish an expedited decision-making process for third-party transfers of defense equipment and services from NATO countries to Taiwan within 90 days of the law’s enactment.

„Prevent China from occupying any territory controlled or administered by Taiwan,” „violating Taiwan’s territorial integrity” and „taking significant action against Taiwan,” such as a naval blockade or cyber attack that threatens infrastructure, according to the US Sanctions Coordination Office, in consultation with the Director of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. Holds regular discussions with the International Special Envoy for EU Sanctions Enforcement and relevant government officials of European countries.

If the bill is passed, within 180 days, the Secretary of State must brief the US Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committee, the US House of Representatives on Foreign Affairs, and the Armed Services Committee on discussions with NATO governments. Countries in Europe about Taiwan’s defense contributions.

Contributions include arms transfers and sales — especially weapons consistent with an asymmetric defense strategy — and increasing the military presence of European NATO countries in the Indo-Pacific region, the bill says.

Under the bill, the US and European countries would discuss how to provide humanitarian aid to Taiwan in the event of a blockade, isolation or military occupation by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The US president must submit reports to the US Congress assessing the economic impact of Chinese military actions against Taiwan, including its impact on global trade, and a list of 10 economic sectors that continue to disrupt. Blockade of Taiwan by PLA.

„All those who believe in freedom and democracy, including our partners in Europe, must stand up against the PRC [People’s Republic of China] Occupy. That means strengthening and cementing ties with Taiwan [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping, 習近平] „I understand that an attack on Taiwan would have serious consequences,” Ricketts said in a statement.

The bill also includes a “sense of Congress” resolution calling on the United States and European countries to counter China’s propaganda and false narratives about UN Resolution 2758.

European countries, especially those with experience fighting Russian aggression and malign actions, „could teach Taiwan lessons from their 'total security’ plans,” it said.

Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th UN General Assembly in 1971 to resolve the issue of China’s representation in the UN system. This eventually led to Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China, withdrawing from the UN and the PRC taking its place.

The resolution, passed on October 25, 1971, recognizes the PRC as „the sole legal representative of China,” but it does not mention Taiwan, does not state that Taiwan is part of the PRC, and does not expressly authorize Beijing to represent Taiwan. UN system.