US Lawmakers Push Taiwan to Approve $40 Billion Defense Budget
On March 30, 2026, U.S. lawmakers in Taipei pressed Taiwan’s legislature to approve a stalled $40 billion defense budget. The delegation warned delays could weaken the island’s ability to deter growing Chinese pressure.
Delegation and message
Republican Senator John Curtis led part of the delegation. He traveled to Taipei with three other U.S. lawmakers and met President Lai Ching-te.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen also joined the visit. Shaheen is the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and expressed concern over rising military activity around Taiwan.
Visits and endorsements
Senators toured the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology in Taoyuan. The institute develops missiles, drones, and other weapons systems.
U.S. lawmakers expressed public support for the special defense spending proposal. They urged Taiwan’s parliament to approve the measure to strengthen deterrence.
Parliament, arms sales and funding
The $40 billion special defence budget remains stalled in an opposition-controlled legislature. Lawmakers have already approved four U.S. arms deals totalling about $9 billion.
The United States is preparing a second arms sale package worth around $14 billion. Taipei officials say expedited arms deliveries would help the case for the special defence budget.
Taiwanese government response
Deputy Minister Hsu Szu-chien called for faster U.S. approvals of weapons sales. He said such steps would facilitate securing funds for the proposed defence budget.
Beijing’s reaction
China’s foreign ministry reiterated opposition to official U.S.-Taiwan exchanges. Spokesperson Mao Ning urged Washington to take concrete actions to protect bilateral ties and Taiwan Strait stability.
Beijing has increased political and military pressure on Taiwan. It held war games most recently in December, following approval of an earlier $11 billion arms sale.
Filmogaz.com reported from Taipei on March 30, 2026. The visit underscored U.S. support for Taiwan and pressure on lawmakers to approve key defense funding.
