US Senators Visit Taiwan, Urge Defense Budget Approval

Four US senators visited Taiwan to press for legislative approval of a NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget, stalled by opposition amidst intensifying military pressure from Beijing.

Mon Mar 30 2026

US Senators Visit Taiwan, Push for Defense Budget

Four senior US senators are on a two-day visit to Taiwan to urge legislative approval of a special defense budget. The NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) budget, proposed by the island's government, has been stalled by the opposition amidst intensifying military pressure from Beijing. This visit signals growing frustration in Washington over the delays in Taiwan's defense spending efforts.

Looming Arms Deadlines and Legislative Delays

The visit comes as Taipei faces looming payment deadlines for several US-approved arms packages. Funding for these packages remains unresolved due to the ongoing legislative delays. The senators' presence underscores the urgency for Taiwan to secure its defense funding to address its security needs.

*Source: SCMP China (2026-03-30)*

Tags: #Taiwan #US #Defense Budget #Cross-Strait Relations #Congressional Visit