Risch, Shaheen Statement on Taiwan’s Special Defense Budget and Partnership with the United States

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the statement below regarding Taiwan's defense spending and partnership with the United States.

"We are deeply disappointed that President Lai's Special Defense Budget remains stalled in the Legislative Yuan, and we urge Taiwan's political parties to work in good faith across party lines to fully fund Taiwan's self-defense. China's brazen military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan in December were a reminder of Beijing's intentions toward Taiwan and its threats to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Instead of pursuing photo opportunities with the Chinese Communist Party, leaders in Taiwan must focus on approving funding for critical military reforms and improvements in whole-of-society resilience. We urge party leaders in Taipei to expeditiously approve vital investments in Taiwan's security and continued partnership with the United States."

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