WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), alongside Reps. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa McClain (R-MI), and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), today introduced the Taiwan Partnership Act. This bill calls for a partnership between the U.S. National Guard and Taiwanese defense forces to help ensure Taiwan has a robust self-defense capability and to enhance military cooperation across a range of activities.
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Click
HERE for bill text.
“Taiwan’s survival is a vital national interest of the United States,” said Rep. Gallagher. “Admiral Davidson has warned that we may only have six years before the Chinese Communist Party attempts an invasion, and in the face of this threat, we must do everything we can to help Taiwan enhance its defense capabilities, particularly when it comes to its vital reserve forces. The Taiwan Partnership Act is important bipartisan, bicameral legislation that sets the stage for Taiwan to enter into a State Partnership Program and mutually benefit from increased cooperation with our National Guard.”
“A strong, democratic Taiwan isn’t just good for regional security and stability, it’s squarely in America’s interest,” said Rep. Kim. “By strengthening the partnership between our two countries, we can solidify a relationship that can serve as a bulwark against an increasingly hostile and alarmingly aggressive Chinese Communist Party. This bill also shows that we can work together – Democrats and Republicans – to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable and protect our allies in the region. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues in introducing this bill and will forcefully work to see it passed.”
“It’s critical Taiwan maintains its independence. As the Chinese Communist Party becomes increasingly aggressive, we must do everything to support Taiwan,” said Rep. McClain. “I’m proud to introduce this bicameral, bipartisan legislation to help bolster Taiwan’s military and ensure our ally has every tool possible to defend itself.”
“I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to further strengthen ties between the United States and Taiwan, a thriving democracy that faces escalating threats from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Murphy. “Our close relationship with Taiwan serves to deter aggression by the CCP and to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”
The Taiwan Partnership Act supports the development of capable, ready, and modern defense forces for Taiwan to maintain its self-defense by:
- Calling for a partnership program between the U.S. National Guard and Taiwan;
- Supporting expanded exchanges between senior defense officials and general officers of the U.S. and Taiwan to improve interoperability, strengthen Taiwan’s reserve forces, and expand medical, humanitarian and disaster relief cooperation;
- Requiring an annual report by the Secretary of Defense on cooperation between the National Guard and Taiwan, including programs for National Guard advisors to assist in training Taiwanese reserve components.
