TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY2024 NDAA) on Friday (Dec. 23), green-lighting a comprehensive training program for Taiwan's military to bolster its self-defense capability.
The authorization beckons the U.S. Secretary of Defense to spearhead the campaign. A total of US＄886 billion is expected to be funneled into this legislation, which already won approval from both houses of the U.S. Congress.
The training program must incorporate layered defense, asymmetric defense strategies, cross-communication between the U.S. and Taiwan's military, information sharing, and enhancement of professional military education and civilian control over the military.
In addition to military training, the act also accentuates collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan on military cyber security, with regular updates on Taiwan arm sales proceedings.
The act mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit a biannual report to Congress regarding the military developments of the People's Republic of China in areas such as Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea.
The report should touch on issues such as weapon upgrades, procurement, and military operations.