Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) grilled Thomas G. DiNanno, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security for the Department of State, on how the ongoing conflict with Iran will affect the United States' arms sales to Taiwan.
During a recent House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Rep. Stanton argued that the conflict "has sent mixed signals to our partners in the Indo-Pacific, most notably Taiwan."
"The longer the war continues, the more we will burn through stocks of munitions critical for any regional conflict," Rep. Stanton added, suggesting that if the war continues, "not only do U.S. arms sales to Taiwan face severe delivery backlogs, but the more than $13 billion in arms sales to Taiwan were stalled as a reported diplomatic maneuver ahead of the anticipated summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping. That summit has now been postponed."
He questioned DiNanno over what can be done to ensure Taiwan receives the weapons. DiNanno responded that the "America First" arms transfer strategy, an executive order issued by Trump, is being implemented.
DiNanno called it an "extremely creative framework so that we do not continue to contribute to the problem of backlogs, and that we look to other capabilities and help in demand signals to industry so that those support our foreign policy objectives worldwide."
The Arizona congressman asked DiNanno about the bipartisan Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (PORCUPINE) Act, which designates Taiwan as a NATO +5 country, thereby ensuring arms sales are approved more quickly.
DiNanno did not express familiarity with the bill, which seemed to surprise Stanton, who said, "It seems to be right up your alley," though the Under Secretary argued that he has "a large alley."
"Fair enough, but you are the one in charge, and so you should be in full command of the issues underneath your purview," Stanton responded.
