Taiwanese President-Elect Lai Ching-te has hailed a multi-billion U.S. military aid package as a crucial step in strengthening deterrence against authoritarianism. The package, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, includes $8 billion to counter China in the region, $1.9 billion for replenishing Taipei’s military equipment and training, and $2 billion for foreign military financing for countries in the region, including Taiwan.
Lai, who will take office on May 20, stated that the bill demonstrates Washington’s commitment to Taiwan’s security. He emphasized that the aid will not only bolster deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific democratic island chain but also enhance the confidence of countries in the Indo-Pacific region in the United States’ commitment to safeguarding free and democratic values.
A visiting U.S. delegation, including Republican Lisa McClain and Democrat Dan Kildee, met with Lai to discuss regional security issues. McClain expressed the delegation’s unity in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Taiwan.
China, which considers Lai a dangerous separatist, has denounced the military aid package and has intensified military and political pressure on Taiwan in recent years. Beijing has sent warplanes and naval vessels near the island almost daily. The announcement of the $95 billion defense package, largely consisting of aid to Ukraine and Israel, came just days before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China. High on the agenda for Blinken’s trip is urging Beijing to curb wartime support for Russia.
