Senate committee backs bill to support Taiwan

The Senate Committee approved a bill to significantly increase U.S. military support for Taiwan, including provisions for billions of dollars in additional security assistance.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee supported the Taiwan Policy Act by 17 votes in favor, 5 against, despite concerns about the document in President Joe Biden’s administration and Beijing’s outrage over the initiative.

“If we want to give Taiwan a chance, we have to act now,” said the top Republican on the committee, Senator Jim Risch, saying that any change in the status quo with respect to Taiwan would have “disastrous consequences” for the American economy and national security.

The bill provides $4.5 billion in security assistance to Taiwan over four years and supports its participation in international organizations.