• US lawmakers are urging Taiwan to pass a stalled $40 billion defense budget.
• The proposed budget aims to enhance Taiwan's military capabilities amidst growing Chinese pressure.
• The bipartisan delegation emphasizes US support for Taiwan's defense efforts.
• Chinese officials criticize US-Taiwan relations, calling for reduced military cooperation.
• Despite opposition in parliament, Taiwan remains committed to strengthening its defense.

During a recent two-day visit to Taipei, a bipartisan group of four US senators urged Taiwan's parliament to approve President Lai Ching-te's stalled $40 billion defense budget, warning that delays could compromise the island's ability to deter Chinese military pressure. This visit highlights the urgency as Taiwan faces looming payment deadlines for several US-approved arms packages, with discussions underway amidst an impasse in the legislature, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The lawmakers, including Senators John Curtis and Jeanne Shaheen, emphasized that the proposed budget is vital for enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities, particularly in response to increased military pressure from Beijing. "We want to ensure Taiwan is doing the same [investing in defense]," Curtis stated, reinforcing the message that the US is closely monitoring Taiwan’s legislative decisions, according to South China Morning Post and LA Times.

President Lai reiterated the need for swift legislative action, asserting that Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its self-defense capabilities remains unwavering. He urged lawmakers to support the budget, which is intended to bolster Taiwan’s military infrastructure and usher in new defense technologies. The opposition-controlled parliament is currently debating the proposal amid competing budget plans, according to Channel News Asia and LA Times.

Concerns about China’s increasing military activities around Taiwan were echoed by Senator Shaheen, who stated that overcoming opposition delays is critical for Taiwan’s security. The US, while not formally recognizing Taiwan as an independent state, maintains strong informal support and arms sales to the island. This reflects Washington's commitment to countering Beijing's assertions regarding Taiwan, as emphasized during the senators' discussions, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

China's opposition to any official exchanges between the US and Taiwan remains strong, with officials urging Washington to cease its military support to the island. Despite the pressures from Beijing, Taiwan continues to advocate for its defense budget, which aims to enhance both its military capacity and collaboration with the United States, as reiterated by officials during the visit, according to Channel News Asia and LA Times.