The Taiwanese government has proposed an additional $40 billion in defense spending.
“Earlier the budget is adopted, the better,” said the de facto US ambassador.
The defense spending bill is blocked in the Taiwanese Parliament.
The United States is Taiwan’s main arms supplier.
US ambassador urged Taiwan’s opposition-led parliament to adopt a comprehensive defense budget, emphasizing the importance of integrated defense systems and drones on a global scale.
President Lai Ching-te proposed $40 billion in additional defense spending last year, aiming to deter the Chinese threat.
However, discussions in Parliament are at a standstill, with the opposition party seeking more details before approval.
US Ambassador Raymond Greene stressed the importance of Taiwan adopting a comprehensive budget package for defense.
He highlighted the critical need for air and missile defense systems and drones, pointing to global demand for these systems.
The delay in budget adoption could jeopardize Taiwan’s place in the queue for American arms production and delivery.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized the seriousness of the threat Taiwan faces, particularly with recent Chinese warships near the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait.
Negotiations on the budget between the ruling party and opposition parties concluded without agreement, with further talks planned for May 6.
The United States remains Taiwan’s top international supporter and arms supplier, with a recent $11 billion arms deal.
China has repeatedly urged the US to stop arms sales to Taiwan. (Note: Dollar to Taiwanese dollar conversion rate provided)
