Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/12/10
By: Chiang Chin-yeh and Joseph Yeh

Washington, Dec. 9 (CNA) A conference agreement version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2020 suggests the U.S. government should study the feasibility of forming a U.S.-Taiwan working group to coordinate responses to cybersecurity issues, among other recommendations designed to enhance defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

A review of the bill, released by the U.S. Congress on Monday, indicates that issues concerning Taiwan were mentioned in sections 1260B, 1260C and 1260D, touching on cybersecurity activities with Taiwan; a review and report related to the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA); and enhancing the U.S.-Taiwan defense relationship.

Section 1260B of the bill stipulates that the U.S. Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility of a "high-level, interagency United States-Taiwan working group for coordinating responses to emerging issues related to cybersecurity."

Section 1260C asks the Secretary of Defense to review Chinese coercion toward Taiwan; cross-strait military balance; and to make sure the future of Taiwan will "continue to be determined by peaceful means."    [FULL  STORY]