Micah Jonah
February 13, 2026
A bipartisan group of 37 United States lawmakers has written to senior Taiwanese political leaders, expressing concern over delays in approving a proposed $40 billion defence spending plan aimed at countering threats from China.
Taiwan President, Lai Ching-te had proposed the special defence budget last year to strengthen the island’s military capability amid rising tensions with Beijing. However, the opposition-controlled parliament has stalled the proposal, advancing a smaller package that only partially funds the purchase of US weapons requested by the President.
In the letter addressed to Parliament Speaker, Han Kuo-yu, leaders of the opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party, as well as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party caucus whip, the US lawmakers warned that the threat from China “has never been greater.”
The letter referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s efforts to mobilise national power towards bringing Taiwan under Beijing’s control. It noted that while Washington must address delays in weapons deliveries to Taiwan, Taipei must also significantly increase its defence spending.
Signatories included senior members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Taiwan’s Defence Minister had earlier warned that continued delay in passing the budget could weaken the island’s joint line of defence against China. President Lai has repeatedly urged parliament to approve the measure, arguing that stronger military preparedness is essential for national security.
The Taiwan People’s Party said it supports a reasonable and steady increase in defence spending but insisted that such allocations must undergo proper democratic oversight and fiscal scrutiny. The Kuomintang had not issued an immediate response, while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party welcomed the US lawmakers’ intervention.
The United States remains Taiwan’s most important international backer and primary arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. President Lai has offered talks with Beijing, maintaining that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
