TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US State Department commended Taiwan on Thursday for allotting a special defense budget.

“We welcome Taiwan's announcement of a new US$40 billion special defense procurement budget," a State Department spokesperson said, per CNA.

In a Washington Post op-ed, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said the budget would go toward purchasing more US weapons and strengthening Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities, adding “greater costs and uncertainty to Beijing’s decision-making process regarding the use of force, thereby enhancing deterrence.” He reiterated that Taiwan’s commitment to peace and stability is unwavering.

The spokesperson added that the US supports Taiwan’s efforts to boost its defense capabilities “commensurate with the threat it faces.” They also welcomed Lai’s pledge to increase the defense budget to 3% of GDP by 2026 and 5% by 2030. This decision “demonstrates resolve to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities," they said.

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene also hailed the development. In a statement, Greene called it “a major step towards maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait by strengthening deterrence.” Taiwan, along with Japan, South Korea, and European nations, is bolstering defense to uphold global peace, he said.