Taiwan PLUS Act
The Taiwan PLUS Act would strengthen and accelerate defense cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. For five years after enactment, Taiwan would be treated as if it were a country listed in key U.S. export-control and defense-article statutes (the Arms Export Control Act, and related authorities), making it easier to apply and administer those provisions regarding defense articles and services. The bill also invites and conditions potential future expansions of this treatment for additional five-year periods, contingent on national security considerations and congressional notice. In addition, the Act expresses a sense of Congress that U.S. defense cooperation with Taiwan should be expanded, including designating Taiwan as a member of a “NATO Plus” security community for purposes of evaluating and approving foreign military sales and related rights and responsibilities.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act is called the Taiwan PLUS Act.
- 2Enhanced defense cooperation for five years: Taiwan would be treated as if it is listed under certain sections of the Arms Export Control Act and related defense trade statutes, easing the administration, licensing, and transfer of defense articles and services to Taiwan during the initial five-year period.
- 3Possible extension: After the initial five years, the Secretary of State can extend the enhanced treatment for another five-year period if it is in U.S. national security interests, with notification to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee at least 14 days before the new period begins.
- 4NATO Plus designation (sense of Congress): The bill states that enhanced support for defense cooperation with Taiwan is critical, and it endorses designating Taiwan as a member of the “NATO Plus” community (alongside countries like Japan, Australia, Korea, Israel, and New Zealand) for purposes related to Foreign Military Sales and related rights and responsibilities.
- 5Alignment with past policy and findings: The act cites Taiwan’s large role in U.S. trade, its status as a partner in U.S. defense planning, and prior acts and NDAA provisions that emphasize Taiwan’s self-defense and the development of asymmetric defense capabilities.