United States Provides Funding and Bills "Six Guarantees"
The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs has taken a significant step forward in deepening the US-Taiwan partnership by passing two bills: the Taiwan Allies Fund Act and the Six Assurances to Taiwan Act. These bills, if approved by the US House of Representatives, the US Senate, and the President, could mark a significant shift in US policy towards Taiwan.
The Taiwan Allies Fund Act authorises the executive branch to allocate $120 million from the next fiscal year to 2028 to assist Taiwan's diplomatic allies and unofficial partners facing pressure from China. The Fund aims to provide much-needed support to countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan or significantly deepen informal ties, yet lack the economic or political capacity to withstand Chinese pressure without US support.
The Six Assurances to Taiwan Act requires codifying into law the "six assurances" made by the administration of former US president Ronald Reagan. These assurances stipulate that the US would not set a date to end arms sales to Taiwan, change the Taiwan Relations Act, consult with China on arms sales to Taiwan, act as a mediator between Taiwan and China, formally recognise Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan, or pressure Taiwan to negotiate with China. Although US administrations have reiterated the "six assurances" and the US Congress has referenced them in legislation, they have never been codified into law.
The potential weapons sales package under discussion between US and Taiwanese defense officials could include drones, missiles, and sensors to monitor Taiwan's coastline. This package, if approved, could significantly bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities and deter potential aggression from China.
The US-Taiwan partnership has been a cornerstone of regional security for decades. Senator Roger Wicker, head of the US Senate Armed Forces Committee, expressed his determination to ensure the US and Taiwan remain "the best of friends." Republican Senator Wicker also stated that it is the US' intention for Taiwan to remain free and to make its own decisions.
Taiwan appreciates US support in bolstering its defense capabilities and is determined to continue strengthening self-defense capabilities. The Presidential Office neither confirmed nor denied a report that the US and Taiwanese defense officials discussed a potential weapons sales package worth billions of dollars during a meeting in Alaska. However, the Office did confirm that Taiwan and the US maintain close cooperation on security issues.
The passage of these bills comes amidst increasing tension between China and Taiwan. By advancing the bipartisan provisions, the US Congress is standing firmly with Taiwan to resist China's coercion and intimidation. The future of US-Taiwan relations remains uncertain, but these bills signal a strong commitment from the US to support Taiwan's sovereignty and self-defense capabilities.
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