2022/12/24
On December 23 local time, US President Joe Biden signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA 2023), officially putting the act into effect and marking the end of the legislative process. This final bicameral version of the NDAA 2023 was approved by both chambers of the US Congress earlier in the month. Also on December 23, the US House of Representatives voted to pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, which earlier had been approved by the Senate. Having thus completed congressional procedures, the bill will take effect after being presented to President Biden to be signed into law, concluding the legislative process.
The legislation of these two acts strongly demonstrates the US Congress’s staunch support for strengthening comprehensive cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. In addition to incorporating provisions for Foreign Military Financing and the Taiwan Fellowship program, the acts also call for the US administration to help bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities and enhance interoperability for defense operations between the United States and Taiwan under the International Military Education and Training program. They also echo a Taiwan-US MOU on development and humanitarian assistance cooperation signed in November, requiring the US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development to strengthen cooperation with regional allies and partners, including Taiwan, in Pacific island nations. To increase resources for bilateral cooperation in this area, US$4 million in funding—a rise from US$3 million—will be made available for the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) sincerely appreciates the US Congress’s continuing use of creative means to provide a legal basis and diverse policy tools for fostering bilateral partnerships across various domains and to demonstrate its high regard for Taiwan-US relations and for enhancing Taiwan’s security.
In accordance with its comprehensive national policy, the government of Taiwan will continue to engage in discussions with the US Congress and administration regarding the gradual and steady implementation of the Taiwan-friendly provisions of the two acts. It will build on the existing foundation of robust bilateral friendship to work closely and deepen its partnership with the United States, as well as uphold its responsibilities as a member of the regional community to jointly preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.