TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Formosan Association for Public Affairs on Thursday urged the Trump administration to move forward with a pending NT$441.3 billion (US$14 billion) arms package for Taiwan.
The Taiwan advocacy group issued the statement following US President Donald Trump’s meeting in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday.
FAPA National President Kao Su-mei (林素梅) said US arms sales to Taiwan should be based on self-defense requirements and US commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
Kao said Taiwan’s defense should “never be treated as a bargaining chip” in US-China diplomacy. She also called on Congress to quickly pass the PORCUPINE Act and legislation codifying the Six Assurances into law.
The group said the proposed arms package awaiting congressional notification includes counter-drone systems, an integrated battle command platform, and medium-range munitions. FAPA also reiterated its long-standing support for granting Taiwan “NATO Plus” status to strengthen security cooperation with the US.
According to FAPA, at least 20 members of Congress have joined as new cosponsors of the House version of the PORCUPINE Act since the organization launched a petition campaign in January. The group praised the House Foreign Affairs Committee for advancing the legislation, which would add Taiwan as a NATO Plus partner under the Arms Export Control Act.
