Ministry of National Defense: US First Island Chain Security Cooperation Initiative Does Not Exclude Taiwan, Misunderstandings Should Be Avoided

(Central News Agency reporters Wu Shu-wei and You Kai-xiang, Taipei, June 17) The United States Senate Armed Services Committee recently passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, renaming the 'Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative' (TSCI) to the 'First Island Chain Security Cooperation Initiative' (FICSCI). Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien stated today that the bill expands eligibility to include the Philippines and does not exclude Taiwan, urging the public not to misunderstand.

The Legislative Yuan's Foreign and National Defense Committee continued reviewing the 2026 central government budget's affiliated agency budget regarding the Ministry of National Defense's non-commercial funds. After the session, Hsu spoke to reporters.

According to the summary of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee's Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, provisions related to the Indo-Pacific region include renaming the 'Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative' (TSCI) to the 'First Island Chain Security Cooperation Initiative' (FICSCI), making the Philippines eligible to receive assistance under this authorization, and authorizing the Department of the Army to establish a War Reserve Stockpile program for Taiwan.

Hsu pointed out that the bill's original text states the Philippines is 'eligible,' meaning the scope of eligibility has been broadened, and Taiwan has not been excluded. He expressed hope that all parties would avoid misunderstanding. Regarding ammunition reserves, the text mentions the entire First Island Chain, including Taiwan. As the content has only just been released, its full implications are still being analyzed, and Taiwan will continue communicating with the U.S. side.

On the renaming of the 'Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative,' Hsu explained that the original TSCI had three components: first, purchasing from third parties; second, emerging technologies; and third, the ability to sell stored inventory to Taiwan based on its needs. The initiative has only changed its name, broadening its applicable scope, but the content and mechanisms remain unchanged and will continue as before. (Edited by Wan Shu-chang) 1150617