Legislation would require annual reporting to Congress to better assess U.S. ability to deter Chinese aggression against Taiwan
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) introduced the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act, bipartisan legislation to mark the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, strengthen congressional oversight, and ensure the United States is fully prepared to uphold its commitments under the landmark law, which has served asthe cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations since its adoption in 1979. Amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, primarily from China, this legislation would require the Secretary of War, in coordination with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, to submit an annual report to Congress assessing America’s ability to deter aggression against Taiwan and maintain stability in the region.
“As the Chinese Communist Party tries to exert more influence in the Indo-Pacific, the United States remains committed to defending our ally Taiwan and deterring China’s aggression,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “To do so, we need to make sure our military is ready and capable to meet its obligations to defend Taiwan. We cannot wait for the first shot to catch us unaware.”
“Since the Taiwan Relations Act became law in 1979, Congress has played the leading role in the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. This bill affirms that legacy by ensuring Congress has the information it needs to evaluate whether our military posture, industrial base, and alliances are sufficient to deter conflict and preserve peace in the Taiwan Strait,” said Senator Curtis.
The Taiwan Relations Act, which became law 47 years ago this week, mandates that the U.S. will provide Taiwan with defensive weapons and maintain the military capability to prevent China from using force to jeopardize Taiwan. To ensure we can meet that requirement, the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act mandates a comprehensive review of U.S. capabilities, including:
- Readiness to deter or respond to a potential invasion, blockade, or major strike against Taiwan;
- Resilience of U.S. forces, logistics, and supply chains in the Indo-Pacific;
- Capacity of the U.S. defense industrial base to sustain a prolonged conflict;
- Contributions from allies and partners to regional deterrence; and
- Risks posed by simultaneous global conflicts.
The bill also requires identification of capability gaps and recommendations for addressing shortfalls through budgetary, operational, and legislative changes over the coming years. However, the bill does not authorize the use of military force and does not alter existing statutory requirements under the Taiwan Relations Act. The legislation reflects growing bipartisan recognition of the importance of deterrence and strategic readiness in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Read the full bill here.
Senator Cortez Masto has led efforts in Congress to stand up to Communist China and protect American interests in the Pacific. Last year, the FIGHT China Act, which she introduced with Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) to safeguard the United States’ national security by prohibiting U.S. investment in certain technologies in China, was signed into law. Senators Cortez Masto and Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the PASS Act to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites. She has also introduced the Pacific Partnership Act to strengthen America’s strategic partnerships with Pacific Island nations and combat the increasing Chinese aggression in the region.
###