U.S. Commission recommends arms sales upgrade for Taiwan amid China tensions
US Commission Recommends NATO Plus Arms Sales Status for Taiwan
On November 19, a U.S. congressional commission suggested a legal change to allow Taiwan to receive the same arms sales status as NATO Plus countries. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) made this recommendation in its annual report, which also covers U.S.-China trade relations, security issues, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Proposed Amendments
The report proposes amending the 1976 Arms Export Control Act to upgrade Taiwan's status for military sales, aligning it with countries like Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel, and New Zealand. If approved, U.S. military sales to Taiwan would need congressional approval only for deals over $25 million, up from the current $14 million threshold.
Taiwan Allies Fund
The report also suggests creating a "Taiwan Allies Fund" to support countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan. These nations could receive up to 15% of the fund annually, but would lose eligibility if they sever ties with Taiwan.
Security Concerns
The report highlights Taiwan as a potential conflict flashpoint with China, which aims to annex Taiwan through various methods. It recommends U.S. support for Taiwan against China's gray zone military activities and supplying necessary weaponry for asymmetric warfare. However, Taiwan faces challenges in arming itself quickly due to U.S. defense industrial limitations.
The USCC warns that even if an invasion is deterred, China is working to develop the ability to isolate or blockade Taiwan.
Doubts Revealed
US Commission
A US Commission is a group of people in the United States who study and make recommendations on specific issues. In this case, they are looking at how the US sells weapons to other countries.
NATO Plus
NATO Plus refers to a special group of countries that have a close military relationship with NATO, which is a group of countries in Europe and North America that work together for defense. Being part of NATO Plus means getting special treatment in buying weapons from the US.
Arms Export Control Act
The Arms Export Control Act is a law in the United States that controls how and when the US can sell weapons to other countries. It makes sure that these sales are safe and in line with US interests.
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island near China that has its own government. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, but Taiwan sees itself as independent. This situation can cause tensions between China and countries that support Taiwan.
Congressional approval
Congressional approval means that the US Congress, which is like India's Parliament, has to agree before certain actions, like selling weapons, can happen. This is to make sure that important decisions are checked by elected leaders.
Taiwan Allies Fund
The Taiwan Allies Fund is a proposed idea to give money to countries that have friendly relations with Taiwan. This is to help them and encourage more countries to support Taiwan.
Conflict flashpoint
A conflict flashpoint is a place or situation that could easily lead to a fight or war. Taiwan is considered a flashpoint because of the tensions between it and China.
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