US senator urges Taiwan parliament to pass stalled defence spending plan

Republican Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska has publicly urged Taiwan's legislature to expedite the passage of a long-stalled special defense budget during a visit to Taipei on Thursday. The appeal, made directly to lawmakers, centers on a critical NT$240 billion (approximately US$7.3 billion) spending plan aimed at procuring advanced weaponry, which has been delayed for months due to domestic political gridlock. This call comes amid heightened regional tensions and is framed as essential for Taiwan to bolster its self-defense capabilities against potential military threats from China. The proposed defense package, a special budget separate from Taiwan's regular annual military spending, is designed to fund the acquisition of advanced missiles, naval vessels, and other asymmetric warfare capabilities over a multi-year period. The delay stems from protracted debates within Taiwan's parliament, where opposition parties have raised concerns over the budget's size, procurement transparency, and its potential impact on the island's fiscal health. Senator Sullivan, a member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasized that timely approval is not only a matter of internal security but also a signal of Taiwan's commitment to its own defense, which aligns with broader US strategic interests in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This diplomatic intervention underscores the ongoing and delicate US role in cross-strait relations. Washington maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity, officially recognizing the One-China principle while simultaneously being committed to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act. Sullivan's remarks reflect a consistent bipartisan push in the US Congress to encourage Taiwan to enhance its military readiness. The stalled budget has become a focal point in discussions about Taiwan's defense autonomy and its preparedness to deter aggression, with international observers noting that further delays could impact the island's ability to modernize its forces in a timely manner.