Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2018-05-11

The foreign ministry says Taiwan is looking forward to deepening security ties with the United States.

The ministry made the statement Friday, a day after the US House Armed Services Committee passed a draft bill concerning the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The committee, voting 60 to 1 in favor, said the Pentagon should help Taiwan strengthen its defense capability and evaluate its military power. The bill also mentioned arms sales, the expansion of joint military exercises, and high-level military exchanges between the two sides.

The committee said Washington should have a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The foreign ministry said it will closely monitor the next step as the House of Representatives will vote on the bill after discussions.

Meanwhile, the defense ministry also said it is looking forward to exchanges and cooperation that are conducive to regional peace.    [SOURCE]