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Hawks see it as a sign to push forward legislation that would radically change US policy toward Taiwan.

By Dave DeCamp, Antiwar.com

China hawks in Congress see President Biden’s recent comments on defending Taiwan as encouragement to push forward a major piece of legislation that would overhaul US policy toward the island, Politico reported on Wednesday.

Military parade on Taiwan National Day

Biden said Sunday that the US would send troops to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack, marking the fourth time he made the pledge. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who is spearheading the Taiwan Policy Act, said the comment from Biden surprised him since the White House expressed reservations about the bill.

The Taiwan Policy Act, which has been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would provide Taiwan $6.5 billion in military aid, give the island the benefits of being a major non-NATO ally, and require sanctions as a response to Chinese aggression against Taiwan.

After the bill was introduced by Menendez and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the White House expressed some concerns, causing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to make some minor changes.

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Militarism and Foreign Policy