A bipartisan group of 37 U.S. lawmakers has urged Taiwan’s parliament to approve a stalled defense spending package, warning that the threat from China is intensifying.
In a letter addressed to Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu and leaders of Taiwan’s main political parties, the lawmakers said Beijing’s pressure on the island “has never been greater.” The letter cited Chinese President Xi Jinping and accused China of using all elements of its national power to assert control over Taiwan.
President Lai Ching-te last year proposed roughly $40 billion in additional defense spending to strengthen Taiwan’s military capabilities and accelerate U.S. weapons purchases. But opposition parties, including the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party, which control a majority in parliament, have declined to review the full proposal, advancing smaller alternatives instead.
The U.S. lawmakers acknowledged delays in American weapons deliveries but said Taiwan must also increase its own investment to maintain credible deterrence.
Taiwan’s defense minister has warned that further delays could weaken coordination with Washington. The United States remains Taiwan’s primary security partner despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.
