TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Representative Michael McCaul said Tuesday in a keynote speech at the Ketagalan Forum that US policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.
McCaul said Congress approved a NT$359.5 billion (US$11.1 billion) arms package for Taiwan in December and that it would not be the last, CNA reported. He expressed confidence that US President Donald Trump would approve another arms package soon, including NT$453.3 billion in critical defense equipment.
McCaul urged Taiwan to pass its annual defense budget and the special act on unmanned systems, which he said is crucial for boosting domestic drone production, per CNA. He said doing so would also demonstrate Taiwan’s determination for self-defense to the US.
Although the US seeks stable ties with China, it understands the threat posed by Beijing, McCaul said.
McCaul said China is testing its own military capabilities and Taiwan’s vulnerabilities in preparation for a possible invasion, per RTI. He pledged that under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US will continue providing Taiwan with defensive weapons without consulting China.
He said Taiwan and China are not subordinate to one another, RTI reported. He added that any attempt by Beijing to annex Taiwan will never succeed.
McCaul said Taiwan is a key pillar on the front line against authoritarian expansion, per RTI. He added that Taiwanese should know they have a steadfast partner in the US.
