The signing of the National Defense Authorization Act 2020 by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, which contains passages highlighting Taiwan’s national security and China’s attempted electoral interference, is sincerely appreciated by the country, according to the Presidential Office Dec. 21.
Taiwan and the U.S. share the fundamental values of freedom and democracy, PO Spokesperson Alex Huang said, adding that the government will continue working with the White House to enhance bilateral security cooperation.
“To safeguard national security and fulfill its responsibilities maintaining regional peace and stability, Taiwan will continue to actively improve military readiness and build up its self-defense capabilities,” he added.
Introduced by U.S. Sen. James Inhofe, the legislation describes Taiwan as a vital partner critical to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and reaffirms U.S. commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances.
It also calls for enhanced Taiwan-U.S. cooperation on cybersecurity, and directs the U.S. defense secretary to submit a report on the feasibility of establishing a high-level, interagency working group in this regard.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense also welcomed the positive development, saying the bill’s enactment reflects the unwavering support of both the U.S. executive and legislative branches for Taiwan.
The MOFA said it will remain in close contact with the U.S. on security issues, while the MND pledged to deepen the two sides’ mutually beneficiary partnership to ensure security and stability in the region and across the Taiwan Strait.
