TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Legislative Yuan on Monday responded to letters from 34 US senators and representatives over repeated opposition to President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.6 billion) special defense budget in the legislature.
The bipartisan US lawmakers expressed concern that only part of the budget might be approved and urged funding sufficient to meet current security challenges. They also said they would work to resolve delays in US arms deliveries to Taiwan, according to CNA.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) said in a joint statement that Taiwan values its close cooperation with the US and Congress. The statement noted that the Legislative Yuan represents a diverse membership, including the KMT, DPP, TPP, and independents, and that differing opinions are normal in a democracy.
Last year, the Cabinet proposed a special NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.73 billion) defense budget covering eight years. The plan has been blocked 10 times by the KMT and TPP, who hold a legislative majority, preventing it from reaching committee review, according to PTS.
The budget must go through a 10-step approval process, starting with referral of the parent law to the relevant committee. Since the law has not yet been referred, the budget’s procurement list cannot proceed for review or approval, according to Taipei City Councilor Miao Po-ya (苗博雅).
On Jan. 30, legislators submitted a TPP defense proposal to committee review, listing six items with an annual spending cap of NT$400 billion. The Ministry of Defense said the TPP plan covers only part of its full procurement list and lacks professional evaluation, while its own proposal has been recognized by the US Congress, State Department, and American Institute in Taiwan, reflecting expert review rather than political signaling, according to CNA.
A copy of the US letter obtained by CNA shows it was signed by Senator Pete Ricketts, Senator Chris Coons, and Representative Young Kim, among others, and addressed to Han, KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), and DPP legislative caucus whip Ko Chien-ming (柯建銘).
The lawmakers warned that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is concentrating state power to control Taiwan through coercion, aggression, and deception. They urged stronger measures by both countries to deter Beijing.
Han emphasized that all lawmakers share a commitment to national defense, social stability, and economic prosperity. He said he would facilitate inter-party dialogue on the defense budget and ensure bills are reviewed in line with national defense needs and public expectations.
