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first on fox: Republicans in Congress are preparing to introduce legislation to create a “Lend-Lease” military aid program for Taiwan to prevent an increase in belligerence from the Chinese Communist Party.
The bill, the brainchild of Republican Congressman Michelle Steele and Senator Marsha Blackburn, would allow the US government to strengthen its European allies without directly intervening in World War II itself. It is modeled after a program in the early 1940s that made
“The Chinese Communist Party continues to threaten and pressure its allies, and America should always stand on the side of freedom and democracy,” said Steele, Republican California.
The bill would allow the president to lend or lease arms and military equipment to Taiwan. In exchange, the government will have to repay him over 12 years for the cost of “restoring or replacing” the borrowed weapons.
The bill stipulates that the White House may choose to renegotiate the repayment amount if it determines that the money deprives both Taiwan and the United States of their national security.
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“Taiwan is our greatest partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and Taiwan’s continued sovereignty is essential to confront the new axis of evil.” They should know that the United States will support Taiwan with defense materials, including machinery.”
The bill has already gained bipartisan support in Congress. That’s because Beijing’s Communist regime has stepped up its harassment of neighboring Taiwan.
China is increasingly launching military exercises near Taiwan’s coast, with fighter jets from Beijing encroaching on the country’s air defense space. One such military exercise took place in April when a bipartisan group of US officials was visiting Taiwan on an official trip.
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This tactic forced Taiwan to raid its troops to counter while the island nation’s population was subjected to air raid drills and other security measures.
Members of Congress say the federal government needs to send a strong signal to China that it will not tolerate aggression against US allies.
“I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill in Congress to show the Chinese Communist Party that we will not withdraw our support for our allies,” Steele said.
Taiwan’s official representative to the United States told Fox News Digital that it welcomes any help in the fight for freedom.
“We appreciate the efforts of Congress to explore creative ways to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities,” said Representative Bikim Hsiao. “Taiwan is determined to uphold our free and democratic way of life, and will continue to work with the United States and like-minded partners to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
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Earlier this year, Congress voted bipartisanly to revive the Lend-Lease program to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression. Lawmakers hope the same can be achieved to help Taiwan in its time of need.
Tensions have risen between China and the United States over the Communist regime’s treatment of Taiwan in recent weeks. Things got worse when China warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) not to visit Taiwan this summer.