Bipartisan Senate Delegation in Taipei Backs Taiwan’s Stalled $40 Billion Special Defense Budget Before Trump–Xi Summit
A four-senator bipartisan U.S. delegation (Shaheen, Rosen, Curtis, Tillis) arrived in Taipei ahead of the Trump–Xi summit, met President Lai Ching‑te, and expressed Washington’s support—Sen. John Curtis explicitly so—for Taiwan’s stalled $40 billion, eight‑year special defense budget. The proposal, which would fund a "T‑dome" missile‑defense architecture, AI integration, and expansion of Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry, is being held up by an opposition‑controlled parliament pushing smaller alternatives, prompting Lai to urge passage “without delay,” while China condemned the visit and warned it would take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.
📌 Key Facts
- A four-senator bipartisan U.S. delegation — Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Jacky Rosen, John Curtis and Thom Tillis — arrived in Taipei and met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at the start of a two-day visit.
- The delegation publicly expressed support for Taiwan’s stalled $40 billion, eight-year special defense budget; Sen. John Curtis explicitly said Washington has noticed and supports Taiwan’s efforts on the proposal.
- The proposed $40 billion package would fund a sophisticated 'T-dome' missile defense architecture, integrate artificial intelligence into national defense, and expand Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry.
- Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament is stalling the special defense budget and pushing smaller alternatives; President Lai has urged lawmakers to pass the package 'without delay.'
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the U.S. lawmakers’ visit, demanded an end to 'official exchanges' with Taiwan, and warned China would take 'necessary measures' to protect its sovereignty.
📊 Relevant Data
Asian individuals comprise 4% of the US military, compared to 6% of the total US population, indicating underrepresentation.
Here is the makeup of the US military and how it's changed — WMTW
In a 2026 poll, 77% of Taiwanese view a pro-US stance as vital, compared to 47% for a pro-China stance, across the political spectrum.
New Polls Show Taiwan Strongly Favors US Alliance Over Beijing — Vision Times
Taiwan's defense spending is projected to reach 3.32% of GDP in 2026, not including the proposed special budget.
Taiwan defense spending to reach 3.32% of GDP in 2026: Premier — Focus Taiwan
The KMT opposition proposes a reduced defense budget of $11.97 billion for arms purchases with increased legislative scrutiny, citing exorbitant costs and the need for phased planning.
The KMT Shows Its Hand in Defense Budget Fight — Domino Theory
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- The four-senator bipartisan delegation (Shaheen, Rosen, Curtis, Tillis) has arrived in Taipei and met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at the start of a two-day visit.
- Sen. John Curtis explicitly stated that Washington has noticed and supports Taiwan’s efforts on the stalled $40 billion, eight-year special defense budget.
- Details of the proposed budget: it would fund a sophisticated 'T-dome' missile defense architecture, AI integration into national defense, and expansion of Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry.
- Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament is stalling the special defense budget and pushing smaller alternatives; Lai publicly urged passage 'without delay.'
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the lawmakers’ visit, demanded an end to 'official exchanges' with Taiwan, and warned China would take 'necessary measures' to protect its sovereignty.