Bill would have the U.S. help Taiwan make drones that meet U.S. security standards

The Secretary of State, working with the Secretary of Defense, would set up a Blue UAS working group of government, industry, and academic experts. The group would study Taiwan's drone production, partnerships between U.S. and Taiwanese firms, barriers to including Taiwanese parts in Blue UAS programs, and lessons from the war in Ukraine. The group would send an unclassified report to Congress with a classified appendix if needed. The group must be set up within 180 days of enactment. The report is due after one year, then yearly for three years.

The State and Defense Secretaries would set up a cooperative framework with Taiwan and regional partners, and a fast-track process for Taiwanese Blue UAS companies to get certified. The fast-track process would include quicker export control reviews and licensing, and certification steps that may recognize equivalent Taiwan cybersecurity standards. Streamlined technical reviews would apply to parts with no Chinese-connected subcomponents.

The bill says it should not change U.S. policy toward Taiwan, the One China Policy, or the U.S. position on Taiwan's international status. It refers to the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Communiqués, and the Six Assurances.