Trump signs NDAA bill authorizing US$1 billion in Taiwan defense funding

Washington, Dec. 18 (CNA) U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes authorization for up to US$1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.

The NDAA, signed by Trump on Thursday after the Senate passed it 77-20 a day earlier, also expands opportunities for U.S. Coast Guard training teams to operate in Taiwan and has a provision supporting Taiwan's bid to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Passage of the NDAA, which authorizes the American government to spend more than US$900 billion on defense programs, does not guarantee that the funds will be appropriated.

The U.S. Congress must still pass separate defense appropriations bills for the funds to be allocated.

In signing the bill, Trump said it supported critical objectives, but he expressed concerns about specific provisions, including a joint U.S.-Taiwan plan for uncrewed and anti-uncrewed systems and support for Taiwan's IMF participation.

He argued that the provisions seek to "dictate the position of the United States in external military and foreign affairs," and that he, as commander in chief and the president of the U.S., will wield his constitutional authority over U.S. military and foreign matters.

Under the NDAA, the Pentagon is required to "enable fielding of uncrewed and anti-uncrewed systems capabilities" with Taiwan by March 1, 2026, including co-producing the system for the use of the U.S. and Taiwan army in compliance with the Taiwan Relations Act.

The US$1 billion authorized for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative would go toward expanding support for medical equipment, supply capabilities, and battlefield casualty care, according to the NDAA.

The legislation also directs the Pentagon to develop a plan for enhanced joint Taiwan-U.S. Coast Guard training and the deployment of U.S. personnel to Taiwan to bolster maritime security, law enforcement, and deterrence.