Democratic Senators Urge Trump Administration Not to Delay Arms Sales to Taiwan

(CNA) - New York, June 24 - U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen and other Democratic senators met with a delegation from Taiwan's Legislative Yuan today. The senators issued a statement expressing encouragement for the cross-party advancement of a $25 billion special defense budget by the Legislative Yuan and urged the Trump administration not to further delay a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen, along with Democratic Senators Tammy Duckworth, Brian Schatz, Jacky Rosen, Jeff Merkley, Andy Kim, and Elissa Slotkin, met with the Legislative Yuan delegation on June 24 and released a statement.

The statement expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the robust U.S.-Taiwan partnership with Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu and legislators from various parties. It noted that the relationship is founded on shared democratic values and a common commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the U.S. is committed to maintaining close, friendly relations with Taiwan, providing defensive weapons, and supporting deterrence against the increasing coercion from the People's Republic of China.

The U.S. side also welcomed Taiwan's historic investment in the U.S. economy, which will create high-paying jobs for Americans and promote the development of the technology industry. Congress should continue to advance legislative efforts to address double taxation, alleviating the burden on U.S. and Taiwanese businesses.

The statement read that the U.S. side is encouraged by the cross-party and continuous proactive advancement of a $25 billion (NT$780 billion) special defense budget by Taiwan's Legislative Yuan. Taiwan can enhance its self-defense capabilities with defensive weapons provided by the U.S.

Taiwan's commitment to security investment is very important, and the U.S. side encourages swift action for additional investment in indigenous equipment. Just as Taiwan's leaders have united to show support for the people's self-defense, the Trump administration cannot further delay the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which was approved by Congress six months ago. These armaments are crucial for Taiwan's security, regional stability, and U.S. economic and national security.

The statement emphasized that China's continued increase in disruptive pressure on Taiwan, evidenced by frequent incursions into gray zones, routine crossing of the median line, and provocative military exercises, is a clear example. A conflict in the Taiwan Strait would have devastating consequences for global security and the world economy, which is why the U.S. must continue to provide defensive weapons. For over 40 years, these armaments have served as an effective barrier against aggression from the People's Republic of China. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150625

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