The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
Bloomberg
The US is set to pass legislation ramping up weapons sales to Taiwan and restricting government use of Chinese semiconductors, strengthening the White House’s hand while excluding measures considered most objectionable to Beijing.
Language in the must-pass annual defense legislation reflects how lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have shown a growing willingness to confront China, despite White House concerns.
The bill, which was set to pass the House on Thursday, authorises up to $10 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan and would boost ties in ways that some in the Biden administration fear undermines the president’s ability to set foreign policy.
“The China challenge has become the most significant national security issue our nation has faced in a generation,†Senator Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, said.
The bill does ease back some of language that would have been more unpalatable to China, including earlier proposals to designate Taiwan a “major non-Nato ally.†That change was made after lobbying by the Biden administration.
The Taiwan element in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act is based on legislation he and Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina had circulated earlier.
Menendez said that China’s military build-up, including new technologies and weapons that could be used against Taiwan, means the US needs to step up its support for the island to deter an invasion.