US Senators Push Taiwan to Pass $40B Defense Bill
A four-member bipartisan U.S. Senate delegation arrived in Taipei on Monday. The lawmakers met President Lai Ching-te to discuss regional security and defense funding.
Bipartisan delegation and purpose
The group included Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Jacky Rosen, John Curtis, and Thom Tillis. They are on an Asia trip aimed at strengthening alliances and countering Chinese influence.
The visit comes weeks before a planned May summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are expected to feature in discussions at that meeting.
Support for Taiwan’s defense budget
Senators praised Taiwan’s efforts to boost its defenses. They expressed support as Taipei seeks approval for a major special defense budget.
The administration in Taipei is campaigning to secure roughly $40 billion over eight years. The package would fund a layered missile defense program called the T-dome, add artificial intelligence to defense systems, and expand the island’s indigenous defense industry.
Legislative hurdle at home
The proposed budget is currently stalled in Taiwan’s parliament. Opposition parties have pushed for smaller allocations instead.
President Lai urged lawmakers to pass the special defense plan without delay. He said his government remains committed to strengthening self-defense and cooperation with the United States.
Visits to defense facilities
The senators toured the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology in Taoyuan City. Officials highlighted recent advances in preparedness and energy security.
U.S. lawmakers noted the improvements and voiced backing for Taipei’s plans. They called attention to capabilities that could deter escalation in the Taiwan Strait.
China’s response
Beijing criticized the congressional visit. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, urged Washington to halt official exchanges with Taipei.
China reiterated its claim over Taiwan and warned it would take measures to defend sovereignty. Beijing also opposes significant U.S. arms sales to the island.
Taiwan’s domestic politics and cross-strait ties
Opposition KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun plans a visit to China next month. She has said the trip aims to promote peaceful relations with Beijing.
Beijing refuses official contact with President Lai and has labeled him a separatist. That stance complicates any move toward formal dialogue.
Outlook
The U.S. delegation’s visit signals stronger informal ties between Washington and Taipei. US senators urged Taiwan to approve the $40 billion defense bill to enhance deterrence and resilience.
With tensions high, the coming weeks will test both Taiwan’s domestic politics and U.S.-China diplomacy ahead of the May summit. Filmogaz.com will continue to report developments on the issue.
