TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US welcomed Taiwan’s NT$780 billion (US$24 billion) arms purchase act but warned that further delays to defense funding would amount to a concession to China, CNA reported Friday.

Taiwan’s Legislature passed the act on Friday after a floor vote, setting a NT$780 billion ceiling for arms purchases, mainly from the US. The funding includes up to NT$300 billion for the first round and NT$480 billion for the second, per Liberty Times.

A US State Department spokesperson said Washington supports Taiwan acquiring defense systems that match the threats it faces. The spokesperson said the position is in line with the Taiwan Relations Act and more than 45 years of US policy.

The spokesperson said the US was encouraged to see the special defense budget pass after what it called unhelpful delays. However, the spokesperson warned that delaying other planned defense funding would only benefit Beijing.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) last year proposed an eight-year, NT$1.4 trillion defense budget to strengthen Taiwan’s response to China’s military pressure. The proposal faced opposition in the legislature, where opposition lawmakers pushed a smaller version of the plan, per UDN.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said the version passed by lawmakers omits some direct procurement and domestic production plans. It said the changes could weaken Taiwan’s overall defense buildup, per CTS News.

The ministry added that Taiwan needs steady funding to respond to changing security threats. It said delays or cuts could affect how quickly the military receives needed weapons and equipment.