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US raises arms race risk with Taiwan security bill, Chinese analysts warn
- Biden has signed legislation authorising up to US$10 billion in grants and loans for assistance to the island over the next five years
- Funding suggests island could get better weapons, possibly much-needed warships, Taiwanese observer says
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New US legislation to help Taiwan strengthen its defences will ignite an arms race and renew tensions across the Taiwan Strait, according to Chinese military analysts.
On Saturday, US President Joe Biden signed the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for the coming financial year, legislation that includes the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (TERA), designed to increase security cooperation between Washington and Taipei.
The legislation authorises up to US$10 billion in grants and loans for security assistance over the next five years, and encourages Taiwanese forces to take part in the US-led multinational naval exercises known as Rimpac, in 2024.
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The Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing was “resolutely opposed” to the bill’s passage, saying it amounted to a “serious political provocation”.
“The bill recklessly exaggerates the ‘China threat’ theory, and rudely interferes in China’s domestic affairs and smears the Chinese Communist Party,” the ministry said.
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Taiwan showcases combat drones as self-ruled island aims to bolster defences
Taiwan showcases combat drones as self-ruled island aims to bolster defences
Defence experts said the funding in the legislation indicated that the United States wanted to supply specific and advanced weapons to Taiwan in case of an attack from mainland China, building on experience from the war in Ukraine and mainland military exercises.
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