U.S. Senate panel approves defense bill with Taiwan war stockpile provision

Washington, June 11 (CNA) The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday approved a fiscal 2027 defense authorization bill, including a provision that would authorize the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a war reserve stockpile program for Taiwan.

According to a news release issued by the committee, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027 (FY27 NDAA) passed by an 18-9 vote and will now move to the Senate floor for consideration.

Among the FY27 NDAA's highlights for the Indo-Pacific region, the bill would rename the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI) as the First Island Chain Security Cooperation Initiative and allow the Philippines to receive assistance under the program. The initiative would also be extended through 2032.

The bill would also authorize the DoD to establish the War Reserve Stockpile program for Taiwan and require a review of delays in U.S. arms sales to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines, including how such delays affect the department's ability to establish, deploy and maintain a strong denial-based defense along the First Island Chain.

The FY27 NDAA also includes provisions covering a range of other defense priorities, including the Middle East, unmanned aircraft systems, munitions, and emerging threats and capabilities.

Last week, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the fiscal 2027 defense authorization bill, which includes up to US$1 billion under the TSCI to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities.

The TSCI provides funding for areas such as medical support, training and the joint development of unmanned systems with the United States, in line with the Taiwan Relations Act.

The House and Senate are required to reconcile their respective versions of the NDAA and pass a final measure before it can be sent to the president for signature and become law.