File photo: Taiwanese soldiers stand in formation in front of a U.S.-made M110A2 self-propelled howitzer during a visit by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to a base in Tainan. (April 9, 2020)
Republican Sen. Rick Scott reintroduced the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act on Thursday (Feb. 18), sponsored in the House by Republican Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Texas). The purpose of the bill is to protect Taiwan from aggression by China’s communist regime and to further strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations and enhance Taiwan’s ability to defend itself against China’s aggressive policies and military actions.
It’s no secret that General Secretary Xi is bent on world domination,” said Senator Scott. The United States cannot sit back and let that happen, and it starts with supporting our peaceful and democratic ally Taiwan …… I urge my Democratic colleagues and the Biden administration to stand up for democracy and join Congressman Reschenthaler and me in holding communist China accountable and protecting Taiwan.”
Rep. Reschenthaler said, “In recent months, Communist China has escalated its hostilities against Taiwan, a key economic and security partner of the United States. The Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act strengthens and consolidates Taiwan by calling for free trade agreements, increasing security cooperation with the United States and authorizing the President of the United States to use force to defend Taiwan under direct attack.”
According to the statement issued by Senator Scott, key elements of the Taiwan Protection Against Aggression Act include
Re-enforcing long-term U.S. policy on Taiwan by strengthening Taiwan’s ability to resist aggressive moves by communist China.
Helping Taiwan counter Communist China’s military expansion in the Taiwan Strait.
Establishing a limited authorization for the President to use force for the specific purpose of protecting Taiwan against armed attack.
Require Communist China to renounce the use or threat of force to reunify Taiwan.
Establish a series of security dialogues and joint military exercises between the United States, Taiwan, and like-minded security partners.
Require planning for coordinated military operations in the event of an attack on Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China.
Recommend that Taiwan dedicate additional internal resources to its own defense, including the procurement of asymmetric defense weapons, reform of Taiwan’s reserve system, and engagement with the United States on cyber defense activities.
Encourage the U.S. Department of Defense to send appropriate personnel to attend Taiwan’s National Defense University.
Urge the U.S. Trade Representative to open negotiations with Taiwan on bilateral trade agreements.
Encourage the U.S. President or Secretary of State to meet with the President of Taiwan within Taiwan.
Welcome the President of Taiwan to address a joint session of Congress.
In late July of last year, now-retired Republican Congressman Ted Yoho (R-TX) first introduced the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act, which was echoed by Senator Scott. The bill was introduced and did not receive a vote in the last Congress.
Recent Comments