US Senators Introduce STRATEGIC Act to Counter China, Support Taiwan

US Republican senators unveiled the STRATEGIC Act to enhance America's competitive stance against China, focusing on Taiwan support and antitrust reforms. Provisions include forming a 'Tiger Team' to identify targets for sanctions and empowering US-Taiwan official interactions.

US Republican senators introduced the STRATEGIC Act on Thursday to position the nation for success against China, with enhanced support for Taiwan. 'The STRATEGIC Act comes at an important time as the Chinese Communist Party continues to undermine security and stability in the Indo-Pacific,' said Senator Todd Young in the Taipei Times report.

Young added that this legislative package comprises several critical initiatives to counter the CCP, strengthen American supply chains, and bolster support for Taiwan. Senator Dan Sullivan mentioned the bill's aim is to protect US and ally interests in the Indo-Pacific, countering China's growing influence.

A notable element of the bill is the creation of a 'Tiger Team' within the State and Treasury Departments to identify 'targets for sanctions, export controls, and other economic measures well before China takes military action against Taiwan,' as reported by the Taipei Times. Another provision insists on treating Taiwan's government as the legitimate representative of its people, eliminating the practice of calling it 'authorities.'

The bill seeks to lift restrictions on US-Taiwan interactions, allowing official visits and the display of Taiwan's national symbols. It also proposes transferring 'obsolete or surplus items' to Taiwan, including equipment for reserve stock.

Concurrently, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported spotting seven Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels around Taiwan from Friday to Saturday morning. The MND stated that five aircraft crossed into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, prompting Taiwan to deploy aircraft and naval vessels to monitor the activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)