In order to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recently proposed the 2023 version of the "Taiwan Democratic Defense Lend-Lease Act."

The picture shows the inauguration ceremony of the Mingchuan (right) and Fengjia (left) warships purchased by the Chinese Navy from the United States in November 2018 for two second-hand Paili-class frigates.

(file photo)

Senator Brayburn: Maintain Taiwan's Sovereignty Against 'New Axis of Evil'

[Reporter Yang Chengyu/Taipei Report] In order to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities in response to China's invasion, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have recently proposed the 2023 version of the "Taiwan Democratic Defense Lend-Lease Act".

Republican Senator Bray Born of Tennessee emphasized that Taiwan is the most important partner of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, and maintaining Taiwan's sovereignty is crucial in challenging the "new axis of evil."

The bill will help Taiwan defend itself and reinforce America's commitment to freedom around the world.

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The United States quickly aided its allies through the Lend-Lease Act during World War II, which was regarded as one of the keys to defeating Nazi Germany.

After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the "Ukrainian Democratic Defense-Lease Act" in May last year, simplifying the procedures for U.S. military aid to Ukraine and speeding up the delivery of weapons to Kiev.

At the end of July last year, Brayburn led the proposal of the Senate version of the "Taiwan Democratic Defense Lend-Lease Act", while Republican California Congressman Eun-joo Park simultaneously proposed the House version of the draft.

However, before the end of the last session of the Congress on January 3 this year, the two drafts are still pending review by the foreign affairs committees of the two houses.

Recently, Brayburn and fellow federal senators Scott and Rubio, who have spared no effort to support Taiwan, jointly proposed the proposal.

She said on the 9th that when she visited Taiwan in August last year, she personally learned about Taiwan's needs from the Taiwan leadership and how the United States should support the freedom of the people of Taiwan.

Brayburn also said through a press release that the bill would authorize the US executive branch to lend or lease defense supplies to Taiwan and establish a fast-track process to ensure timely delivery.

The House of Representatives version defines crimes against Taiwan as including partial maritime blockades

Scott also said that Taiwan must have the ability to defend itself against the invasion of Communist China; he is proud to co-sponsor this bill to strengthen Taiwan's power and continue to show his determination to refuse to bow to Xi Jinping's aggression.

In the version of the House of Representatives, Park Eun-joo proposed it together with Democratic Congressman Panita of California.

Park Yinzhu pointed out through a press release that the draft will define the PLA's aggression, including a full or partial naval blockade of Taiwan, amphibious assault and ground invasion of Taiwan, missile air strikes, military or non-military actions against Taiwan's military targets or key infrastructure , seize or attempt to seize islands controlled by Taiwan.

Park Eun-joo, who visited Taiwan in December last year, pointed out that this bill will send a clear and clear message to the CCP that the United States is with its allies and is ready to arm Taiwan with the tools needed to resist Chinese aggression.

She emphasized that the key to stopping Chinese aggression lies in "prevention before it happens".

Panita bluntly said that democracies around the world are facing broader emerging geopolitical challenges, including Taiwan.

The support of the United States is very important, and after this law is enacted, it will strengthen the strength of the support of the United States, just like supporting Ukraine, and provide the people of Taiwan with the necessary tools to defend their territory and democracy.