US Senators Pete Ricketts and Jeanne Shaheen presented a bill last Friday aimed at streamlining Europe’s transfer of US-manufactured weaponry to Taiwan, in order to foster stronger collaboration between European nations and Taipei.
Ricketts, a Republican, and Shaheen, a Democrat, introduced the Building Options for the Lasting Security of Taiwan through European Resolve (BOLSTER) Act. This legislation seeks to establish a framework enabling NATO countries in Europe to more efficiently transfer US military equipment to bolster Taiwan’s defense, Ricketts stated.
The proposal was prompted by China’s extensive two-day military maneuvers around Taiwan following President William Lai’s inauguration on Monday.
The bill mandates the US Secretary of State to establish an accelerated decision-making process for third-party transfers of defense equipment and services from NATO allies to Taiwan within 90 days of the legislation’s enactment.
To deter China from annexing or attacking Taiwan and to safeguard its territorial integrity, the bill necessitates regular consultations between the US Office of Sanctions Coordination, the International Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions, and relevant European government officials.
If passed, within 180 days, the Secretary of State must brief the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Relations and Armed Services on talks with NATO countries in Europe regarding contributions to Taiwan’s defense, including arms sales and augmenting military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The bill also mandates discussions between the US and European nations on providing humanitarian aid to Taiwan in the event of a blockade, quarantine, or military aggression from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Additionally, it requires the President to submit reports to Congress evaluating the economic ramifications of Chinese military actions against Taiwan, including their impact on global trade, and identifying ten economic sectors most vulnerable to a sustained Chinese blockade of Taiwan.
“Everyone who believes in freedom and democracy, including our partners in Europe, must stand up to PRC [People’s Republic of China] aggression. That means strengthening ties to Taiwan and ensuring Chinese President Xi understands an attack on Taiwan would have severe consequences,” Ricketts said in a statement.
