US Senate Fast-Tracks Defense Aid to Taiwan with Porcupine Act

The US Senate has unanimously passed the Porcupine Act to expedite defense sales and aid to Taiwan, aligning it with NATO and select allies to strengthen military support amid rising tensions with China. The bill awaits approval in the House and presidential assent to become law.

In a strategic maneuver to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities, the US Senate has unanimously ratified the Porcupine Act. This bipartisan legislation is designed to facilitate swift defense sales and allow American allies to transfer military equipment to Taiwan, as reported by Focus Taiwan.

Officially named the Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments Act, the bill proposes vital amendments to the Arms Export Control Act. These changes will reclassify Taiwan alongside NATO members and key US allies like Japan, Australia, and South Korea, enabling shorter arms purchase notification periods and streamlined licensing processes for military transfers, according to Focus Taiwan.

The act mandates the US Secretary of State to evaluate the feasibility of an expedited approval route within 90 days, for third-party weapons transfers from NATO and 'NATO Plus' nations to Taiwan, including US-origin defense equipment. The legislation, praised by the Formosan Association for Public Affairs, aims to dismantle bureaucratic barriers, thus ensuring Taiwan remains a formidable deterrent against potential aggression from China.

(With inputs from agencies.)