With Congress preparing for the possible passage of the National Defense Authorization Act this week, we look at the bill from the perspective of observers interested in the Indo-Pacific region. This analysis focuses on the version of the bill that recently passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 363-70 (we will update this post as necessary if the Senate amends the House version). Here are five top items of note for Asia-watchers:

1. Clarifying China Strategy: Section 6511 of the NDAA requires a classified whole-of-government strategy for how the United States should approach China. This provision would also mandate the creation of an advisory board on grand strategy regarding China. These reporting requirements would build on the classified China strategy that the Biden administration is reportedly finalizing, as well as the forthcoming National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy.
2. Focusing on Southeast Asia: Section 6509 requires that the administration issue a strategy for Southeast Asia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations within 180 days. This would complement the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was previewed this week by Secretary of State Tony Blinken and is expected to be released soon. In addition, the NDAA shows continued bipartisan support for democracy in Burma, with Section 6510 mandating briefings on a variety of US policies and actions regarding efforts to punish the junta and support democracy activists.
3. Extending Key Initiatives: Section 1242 extends and modifies the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. This comes after some tense exchanges between the Defense Department and the Senate and House Armed Services Committees about whether enough resources are being directed across the International Date Line. In addition, Section 1241 expands the Maritime Security Initiative to all countries in the Indo-Pacific. Notably, funding levels for both initiatives remain dependent on forthcoming appropriations decisions.
4. Reporting on Chinese Behavior: Section 1243 adjusts the annual report on China’s Military Power by expanding reporting demands in several areas. The NDAA also contains a number of sections requiring reports on issues ranging from Beijing’s global influence to China’s advancing capabilities in critical technologies, electronic warfare, ballistic missiles, and nuclear weapons. Finally, the NDAA mandates that the Department of Defense address supply chain vulnerabilities among contractors and subcontractors.
5. Supporting Taiwan’s Defense: Republican and Democratic leaders in both houses of Congress continue to support Taiwan through the NDAA. Multiple initiatives, including Sections 1246 through 1249, require reports and strategies for assisting Taiwan amidst rising pressure from mainland China. Section 1248 requires a report on Taiwan’s defense capabilities and US strategy. Section 1249 mandates a feasibility briefing on cooperation between the National Guard and Taiwan.

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