TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s defense on Wednesday (Nov. 27).

In a meeting with US Senator Jeff Merkley, Lai said Taiwan would bolster capabilities through arms procurement and domestic defense industry build-up, according to the Presidential Office. The president pointed out that after Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) eight-year tenure, the defense budget increased to 2.5% of the nation’s GDP. Taiwan will continue enhancing its asymmetric capabilities, he added.

The president also underscored the importance of deepening economic cooperation with the US. Lai said Taiwan seeks to establish a reliable supply chain and promote global prosperity. Significant progress has been made under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, he said.

Merkley said he has actively worked to strengthen US-Taiwan relations over the years. He pledged to continue enhancing ties in military security, global connectivity, and resilience. The senator said his visit during the transitioning of presidents demonstrates the bipartisan support in Congress for Taiwan.

Over three days, Merkley engaged with government officials and business representatives on bilateral relations and regional security issues. His visit is part of a larger trip to the Indo-Pacific region.