TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee will review four pro-Taiwan bills Oct. 22, including legislation granting Taiwan "NATO Plus" status, an informal security cooperation framework that would place Taiwan alongside Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea as key U.S. defense partners, and expediting arms sales. The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan praised Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy Thursday (Oct. 16) for supporting Taiwan's technical assistance to the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Among the key legislative measures under consideration, the PORCUPINE Act would grant Taiwan "NATO Plus" status, elevating Taiwan to the same strategic partnership level as five other major U.S. allies outside the formal NATO alliance, and expedite U.S. arms sales, while the Taiwan International Solidarity Act emphasizes Taiwan's international status cannot be altered without its people's consent. The chamber expressed approval of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which reaffirms U.S. support for Taiwan's security and international participation.
Building on these security-focused initiatives, the Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act authorizes economic and financial sanctions coordination if China engages in aggressive actions against Taiwan. Complementing the defense measures, the U.S.-Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act aims to strengthen Taiwan's diplomatic and economic cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean allies, with the chamber noting these bills are crucial for enhancing Taiwan's security.
The legislative push comes as Taiwan demonstrates its international capabilities through aviation expertise. Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration (民航局) manages one of Asia's busiest airspaces, overseeing over one million flights annually with professional regulatory standards. In light of Taiwan's proven competence in critical sectors, the chamber urged U.S. Senate, House, and executive branch coordination to expedite legislation review, noting Taiwan's critical role in global aviation safety and system integrity. ◼
