WASHINGTON: The United States should amend existing legislation to incorporate Taiwan into the "NATO Plus" allies list and facilitate future arms sales, according to a U.S. commission's annual report to Congress.According to Focus Taiwan, the recommendation was made in the 2024 report by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), which included chapters on U.S.-China economic and trade ties, security relations, and Taiwan and Hong Kong. In the section on Taiwan, the commission urged Congress to amend the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to add Taiwan to the list of "NATO Plus" recipients, a designation currently held by South Korea, Japan, Australia, Israel, and New Zealand.Under the existing Arms Export Control Act, arms sales to NATO Plus countries only require congressional approval if they exceed US$25 million, while sales to Taiwan need approval for amounts over US$14 million. At a congressional hearing, USCC member and former Pentagon official Randall Schriver noted that Taiwan's inclusion would place it among "the most elite category of security assistance partners" and would streamline the export control review process for potential transfers to Taiwan.The commission also proposed the creation of a "Taiwan Allies Fund" to provide foreign assistance solely to countries maintaining official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Under this program, no country would receive more than 15 percent of the appropriated funding annually, and those severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan would immediately become ineligible for funding.In examining Taiwan's implications for the United States, the report highlighted Taiwan as a "key flashpoint for conflict with China," especially as Beijing increases pressure on Taipei, thereby raising the risk of miscalculation. The report noted Taiwan's complex decisions regarding resource allocation in countering China's tactics and adopting suitable equipment for potential invasions. The U.S. faces challenges in rapidly arming Taiwan due to manufacturing limita tions and delivery timelines, which may leave Taiwan insufficiently armed to deter or counter a Chinese invasion independently.Furthermore, the report addressed the potential for China to quarantine or blockade Taiwan, posing unique challenges for both U.S. and Taiwanese leaders. It also emphasized Taiwan's significant role in advanced semiconductor production, warning that any disruption in Taiwan's output could majorly impact the global economy and U.S. national and economic security.The USCC, established by Congress in 2000, is tasked with providing an annual report on the national security implications of the U.S.-China bilateral trade and economic relationship and offering recommendations for legislative and administrative actions.