2024/04/21
The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining reports that "the Emergency National Security Supplementary Appropriations Act of 2024 passed in the US House of Representatives" (April 21, 2024)
Press release of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: April 21, 2024 at 07:40
In response to the passage of "The Emergency National Security Supplementary Appropriations Act of 2024" by the House of Representatives, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that the entire case includes three assistance bills for Israel, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific security, and four bills that encompass legislation for "Strength for Peace in the 21st Century", which compels TikTok to separate itself from parent company ByteDance of China. These bills will be sent to the Senate for vote and then signed by President Biden before they take effect.
The MND stated that it expressed its gratitude to the US Congress for having rendered approval for appropriating US$8.12 billion to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait even in time of intensified conflicts in the Middle East and persistent Russian military aggressions in Ukraine. The amount of US$1.9 billion in the bill is earmarked for the US Department of Defense to assist Taiwan and regional partner countries, including replenishing military equipment and supplies by the US Department of Defense for Taiwan. Such aid will also be used to furnish military services, education, and training by the US Department of Defense for Taiwan, and employed for other needs at the request of the US should other countries provide assistance to Taiwan. Such budgetary stipulations demonstrate the "rock-solid" backing of the US for Taiwan.
The MND emphasized that it will coordinate relevant budget utilities with the United States through existing communication mechanisms in the future, and strive to strengthen combat readiness to ensure national security, peace, and stability across the Taiwan Strait.