December 11, 2014
No. 280
The House of Representatives of the United States passed S.1683-Naval Vessel Transfer Act December 10. This bill authorizing the US President to sell four Perry-class guided missile frigates to the ROC reaffirms the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act, for which MOFA expresses its deep appreciation.
The bill was proposed by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. After undergoing deliberation in the Senate on December 4, it was passed by the House on December 10 and is expected to be signed by President Obama within ten days thereafter, thus completing the legislative procedures and entering into effect.
The bill unanimously passed by the Senate and House shows the commitment of Congress to adopt measures under the Taiwan Relations Act to better ensure Taiwan’s security. It also demonstrates strong cross-party Congressional support to further strengthen the relations and friendship between the US and Taiwan. (E)