Taiwan PLUS Act Introduced to Strengthen U.S.--Taiwan Defense Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), Senator Rick Scott (FL), and Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) have introduced the Taiwan PLUS Act to enhance U.S.--Taiwan defense cooperation and expedite delivery of vital weapons systems to counter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The legislation aims to streamline the arms sales process, elevate Taiwan's status to that of trusted U.S. defense partners, and provide Taiwan with the necessary tools to defend itself against China's growing aggression. "Taiwan is on the front lines of CCP's growing aggression, and it's time our policies reflect the urgency of the threat," said Congressman Perry. "This legislation streamlines our arms sales process to Taiwan, strengthens deterrence, and solidifies our commitment to defending American interests in the Indo-Pacific."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Taiwan PLUS Act raises the thresholds for critical weapons systems sales to Taiwan to $25 million, $100 million, and $300 million, respectively, similar to those afforded to "NATO Plus" partners.
  • The bill shortens the review window for arms sales to Taiwan from 30 days to 15 days.
  • By elevating Taiwan's status, the legislation removes red tape, improving speed and efficiency in military aid to the island nation.
  • Taiwan already is one of the United States' closest defense collaborators, with the top Foreign Military Sales customer in FY20 and historically tied with Japan as the third largest buyer since 1950.
  • The bill ensures that future sales meet the moment by providing Taiwan with the tools needed to defend itself when needed.
  • Promoting greater US-Taiwan security cooperation benefits both countries, and the Taiwan PLUS Act aims to achieve this by streamlining the arms sale process.
  • The legislation sends a clear and unambiguous message: America stands with Taiwan, and will ensure our partners have the means to protect peace, freedom, and security in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Taiwan is under increasing threat from the CCP, which has tried to intimidate and overpower the island nation for years.
  • The Taiwan PLUS Act will cut red tape and make it faster and easier for Taiwan to purchase the weapons it needs from the U.S. to defend itself should Communist China invade.

Statistics:

  • The current thresholds for critical weapons systems sales to Taiwan are $14 million for major defense equipment, $50 million for defense services, and $200 million for construction support.
  • The bill's new thresholds are $25 million, $100 million, and $300 million, respectively.
  • Taiwan has been the top Foreign Military Sales customer in FY20 and has been tied with Japan as the third largest buyer since 1950.
  • The U.S. must act with urgency to strengthen its defense ties with Taiwan to counter the growing threats from Communist China.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10)
  • Senator Rick Scott (FL)
  • Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07)
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