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Arm Taiwan Act of 2022
12/30/2022, 3:49 AM
Summary of Bill HR 6443
The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of increasing aggression from China towards Taiwan. It highlights the strategic importance of Taiwan as a democratic ally in the region and the need to support its ability to defend itself against potential threats.
If passed, the Arm Taiwan Act of 2022 would authorize the sale of various defense articles and services to Taiwan, including weapons systems, military equipment, and training programs. The bill also includes provisions for the transfer of excess defense articles to Taiwan, as well as the establishment of a fund to support Taiwan's defense needs. Overall, the Arm Taiwan Act of 2022 represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen US-Taiwan relations and support Taiwan's ability to defend itself against external threats. The bill underscores the United States' commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and standing by its democratic allies in the face of aggression.
Congressional Summary of HR 6443
Arm Taiwan Act of 2022
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Taiwan Security Assistance Initiative to accelerate Taiwan's deployment of asymmetric defense capabilities to the level required to deter or defeat an invasion by China.
From FY2023 through FY2027, the bill requires DOD to use appropriations provided for the initiative to provide assistance to accelerate Taiwan's asymmetric defense capabilities so that Taiwan, with limited initial U.S. Armed Forces support, is able to (1) delay, degrade, and deny attempts by China's army to enter or transit the Taiwan Strait (and adjoining seas) or seize control of key territory in Taiwan; and (2) prevent China from neutralizing or rendering ineffective Taiwan's government.
The bill imposes certain requirements related to such assistance, such as periodic certifications by DOD to Congress that Taiwan's government has committed to (and has made progress toward) increasing defense spending, including a target of spending at least 3% of Taiwan's national gross domestic product on defense on an annual basis by the end of FY2027.
