WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Senate Taiwan Caucus, released the following joint statement applauding progress on Taiwan’s special defense budget now under consideration in the Legislative Yuan:

“As Co-Chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, we strongly support Taiwan’s historic $40 billion special defense budget and the legislative steps underway to advance it. This package represents a vital investment in Taiwan’s self-defense and a clear demonstration of Taipei’s commitment to deterrence, resilience, and responsibility-sharing at a moment of growing threat from the PRC. It also offers opportunities to work with Taiwan to advance American defense technology. 

“Members of both parties in the U.S. Senate—including leaders on the Armed Services, Foreign Relations, and Appropriations Committees—have spoken with one voice in support of Taiwan’s efforts to accelerate critical defense capabilities. The message is clear: strengthening Taiwan’s defenses strengthens stability across the Indo-Pacific and reduces the risk of conflict. 

“We commend Taiwan’s leaders for continuing to take difficult but necessary steps to modernize its military, harden critical infrastructure, and build the stockpiles and systems required to deter aggression. As the Legislative Yuan considers this special budget, the United States will continue to stand with Taiwan as a trusted partner, a vibrant democracy, and a key contributor to regional security.

“We encourage all parties in Taiwan to move forward with this package in a timely, unified, and forward-looking manner. Taiwan’s continued investment in its own security is central to ensuring stability in the Taiwan Strait.” 

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