U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John Curtis welcomed on May 8 the approval by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan of a supplementary defense budget intended to strengthen Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities in response to increased aggression from the People’s Republic of China.
The announcement comes after both senators visited Taipei five weeks prior, where they met with Legislative Yuan leaders and encouraged support for the package. They also sent a bipartisan letter to LY Speaker Han and his colleagues supporting not only the purchase of U.S. arms but also investment in faster domestic production of asymmetric capabilities in Taiwan.
In their joint statement, Shaheen and Curtis said: “Taiwan’s approval of this supplementary defense budget sends a strong signal of resolve at a critical moment for peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. During our visit to Taipei in March, we urged Taiwan’s leaders to move quickly to approve a supplementary defense budget that would accelerate the procurement of critical U.S. defense equipment and strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities.”
They continued: “This vote demonstrates that Taiwan is taking seriously the urgent need to strengthen its defenses in the face of Beijing’s growing military coercion and pressure campaigns. As the PRC continues to test the limits of what it can achieve through intimidation and aggression, Taiwan’s investment in its long-term deterrence makes clear the island’s unity and preparedness. We also look forward to additional steps by Taiwan’s leaders to further strengthen investments in asymmetric capabilities and domestic defense production, which remain essential to long-term deterrence. The United States’ partnership with the people of Taiwan remains rock solid and Congress will continue to support Taiwan’s ability to defend itself and preserve stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee focuses on developing U.S. foreign policy through examining treaties, legislation, as well as shaping key historical policies such as supporting measures like the Truman Doctrine in 1947 or rejecting treaties like Versailles in 1919; it was established as one of Senate's original standing committees in 1816 according to its official website. The committee designates its Chairman for majority members while its Ranking Member leads minority members according to its official website.
Looking ahead, both senators emphasized continued congressional support for efforts that reinforce peace across the region.
