The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday is set to vote on new legislation that would vastly shift US policy towards Taiwan.
The Taiwan Security Act would designate Taiwan a “major non-NATO ally” and provide roughly US$4.5 billion in security aid. The bill would also force the US government to sanction Chinese financial institutions if there are “escalating hostile actions in or against Taiwan.”
The new legislation comes as Washington has increased weapon sales to Taiwan. That includes a new weapons package valued at over US$1 billion announced in August. Such sales come as tensions are rising between Taiwan and China.
White House national security official Jake Sullivan says that he has met with US Congressional leaders to discuss the bill. He says while many parts of the legislation would strengthen US security assistance to Taiwan, other parts cause him worry.
If passed by the committee, the bill will be sent to the US House and Senate for approval before becoming law.