Overview

• The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, signed into law by President Joe Biden, includes record-high defense spending of $895 billion, with $15.5 billion allocated to countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• China has strongly opposed the bill, accusing the U.S. of playing up the 'China threat,' advocating for military support to Taiwan, and restricting bilateral economic and technological exchanges.
• Chinese officials, including a spokesperson from the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Foreign Ministry, have urged the U.S. to abandon its 'Cold War mentality' and respect China's sovereignty and core interests, particularly regarding Taiwan.
• The law authorizes up to $300 million in military support for Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of its territory, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
• China has vowed to take firm measures to safeguard its sovereignty and development interests, warning that the bill could destabilize efforts to improve U.S.-China relations.