China competition looms large in 2027 US defence bill

As Congress debates the 2027 US defence bill, the issue of China's growing influence is a unifying theme across party lines. Both the House and Senate versions of the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) emphasize expanding military, technological, and economic competition with Beijing. While the House and Senate versions include provisions to address various Chinese threats, the Senate bill takes a stronger stance on Taiwan.

The Senate version includes a controversial "War Reserve Stock Programme" for Taiwan, which would permit pre-positioning of humanitarian supplies, ammunition, missiles, and other military equipment to bolster the island's defenses in the event of conflict. This provision is the most likely to provoke Beijing, as Taiwan is regarded by China as a breakaway province that must be re-unified through force if necessary.

Experts note that the NDAA has increasingly been used to bolster US resilience against China while strengthening defense ties with allies and partners. Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific programme describes the bill as a mechanism to enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region and improve Taiwan's readiness and resilience.

While the NDAA does not alter the longstanding US "One China" policy, it reflects a clear bipartisan consensus that bolstering Taiwan's ability to deter aggression is crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese embassy in Washington has strongly condemned these provisions, stating that any attempt to arm Taiwan will face grave consequences and interfere with China's internal affairs.

The Chinese government warns that the Taiwan question allows for no external interference and that China's red lines must not be crossed.