Republicans introduced a bill on Nov. 4 that would provide $2 billion annually to bolster deterrence efforts in Taiwan and to strengthen the island’s capacity to defend itself from aggression by mainland China. The Taiwan Deterrence Act was introduced by Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Corbyn (R-Texas), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). “The defense of Taiwan is critical to the future peace and security of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” Risch said in a press statement. “This legislation authorizes $2 billion a year in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan, but it is not a blank check. This funding is contingent on Taiwan’s commitment to further advance initiatives championed by President Tsai to build a credible defense.” Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, when it broke from mainland China during a civil war. The Chinese regime considers Taiwan as part of its territory, however, …