The US Senate Armed Services Committee has approved a defense authorization
bill for fiscal 2027. It includes a provision that would authorize the
Department of Defense to establish a war reserve stockpile program for
Taiwan.

The National Defense Authorization Act passed by an 18-9 vote ... and will
now move to the Senate floor for consideration.

Among the highlights for the Indo-Pacific region, the bill would rename the
Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative 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.

In addition, the bill would authorize the defense department to establish the
War Reserve Stockpile program for Taiwan and require a review of delays in US
arms sales to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines.

Last week, the US House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the
fiscal '27 defense authorization bill, which includes up to a billion dollars
to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities.

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