Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says that Taiwan’s acceptance of the US loans for military spending will depend on the specific conditions that come with them.
In November, Republican US Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch introduced the Taiwan Deterrence Act. This act stipulates that the US will provide Taiwan with US$2 billion in annual financial assistance between 2023 and 2032. Taiwan, however, would have to match that sum and agree to “conduct joint long-range planning for capability development”. The bill also calls for amendments to the Arms Export Control Act, which would make it easier for the US to sell arms to Taiwan.
Defense Minister Chiu said on Wednesday that Taiwan’s government will discuss the matter with the US if the bill passes. The degree to which Taiwan agrees to participate in the plan would depend on the specific stipulations of the plan. He said he believes in self-strengthening, and that nothing comes for free. He also responded affirmatively when asked whether accepting the scheme would impact Taiwan’s defensive sovereignty.