U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.), along with Representatives Young Kim (R-Calif.-40) and Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), have sent a bipartisan letter to Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan urging the country to increase its defense spending. The letter, signed by 37 members of Congress, raises concerns that Taiwan’s supplementary defense budget request may only be partially funded.
The group emphasizes the importance of a strong, multi-year defense budget for Taiwan in light of increasing military pressure from China. In their message, they state: “Both the United States and Taiwan must do more to deter PRC aggression. For our part, the U.S. must address the massive backlog in weapons deliveries to Taiwan. You have our commitment to continue to work together to ensure Taiwan gets the capabilities it needs, faster. Likewise, we need Taiwan to step up with us. We commend Taiwan for making important progress in strengthening its military readiness, reserve forces, and asymmetric defense capabilities. Nevertheless, we fear that without significant increases in Taiwan’s defense spending at levels reflected in President Lai’s proposed special budget, this progress will be insufficient.”
The lawmakers further write: “we hope you will support a robust, multi-year special defense budget, as well as annual funding at levels that adequately meet the moment and send a clear signal of Taiwan’s will to defend itself.”
The full text of the letter is addressed to Speaker Han Kuo-yu and other leaders of the Legislative Yuan. It outlines ongoing security cooperation between the United States and Taiwan based on shared democratic values and economic ties since passage of the Taiwan Relations Act.
According to the letter, Chinese actions such as incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone and large-scale military exercises demonstrate growing preparations for potential conflict or blockade against Taiwan.
Senator Risch serves as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—a legislative body established in 1816 that plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy through examination of treaties and legislation (official website). The committee has influenced key historical decisions such as supporting measures like the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan (official website), rejecting treaties like Versailles (official website), and designating leadership roles among its members (official website).
The signatories conclude by expressing appreciation for Taiwanese leadership’s commitment to democracy and security while encouraging continued collaboration between both countries’ legislatures.
