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US Congress Releases Latest Version of Defense Bill, Includes Taiwan Measures
US Congress has released the latest version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which paves the way for increasing US-Taiwan defense cooperation. Congress will now need to pass this bill before it goes to President Trump to sign.
US National Defense Authorization Act deepens military ties with Taiwan
The bill also authorizes the creation of a joint maritime operations and leadership training program between the US Coast Guard and Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration. Plans are underway to send a US Coast Guard training team to Taiwan to enhance the country’s maritime security and law enforcement within the next four years.
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) significantly boosts U.S.-Taiwan defense ties by authorizing substantial security aid (up to $1 billion), fostering joint tech development (drones, AI, microchips), establishing strategic defense partnerships, and strengthening supply chains to counter China’s influence, reflecting strong bipartisan support for Taiwan’s security and Indo-Pacific stability. Key provisions aim to accelerate Taiwan’s access to critical defense capabilities and integrate its industrial base with U.S. efforts. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key Provisions for U.S.-Taiwan Cooperation:
- Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative: Authorizes up to $1 billion in security assistance for Taiwan for Fiscal Year 2026.
- Strategic Defense Partnership: Directs the DoD to create a formal partnership with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense to align defense priorities and boost technology sharing.
- Joint Technology Development: Focuses on co-developing and co-producing next-gen capabilities, including uncrewed systems (drones), AI, microchips, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance) tech.
- Defense Industrial Base: Strengthens collaboration on supply chain resiliency and integrates Taiwan’s defense industrial base with U.S. efforts.
- Countering China (PRC): Aims to accelerate critical defense deployments to deter aggression from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and counters PRC arms sales. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Significance:
- Bipartisan Support: The NDAA demonstrates strong, consistent support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress for Taiwan’s defense.
- Enhanced Deterrence: The initiatives are designed to enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities, making it a stronger deterrent to potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific.
- Strategic Integration: Moves beyond simple arms sales to deeper strategic and industrial cooperation, reflecting a significant evolution in the U.S.-Taiwan defense relationship, notes an American Enterprise Institute article. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The House passed its version in September 2025, with the full NDAA expected to be finalized and enacted soon, following similar bipartisan efforts seen in the recent Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act which strengthens official engagement. [3, 7, 8]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] Moolenaar: NDAA Raises Military Pay, Protects America, and Deters China
[2] Reps. Tokuda, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S.–Taiwan Defense Collaboration
[3] China-Taiwan Weekly Update, September 26, 2025
[4] Senate Committee on Armed Services: 2026 National Defense Authorization Act
[5] H.R.4860 – U.S.-Taiwan Defense Innovation Partnership Act
[6] Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S.–Taiwan Defense Collaboration
[7] Presidential Office thanks US President Trump for signing Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act
[8] History of the NDAA
Previously:
China: Trump’s Plans to “Recognise” Taiwan Firmly Rejected! (4.12.2025)
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