TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — U.S. lawmakers advocated for more economic and military ties with Taiwan at a press conference Tuesday afternoon (April 23).
Representative Dan Kildee said there was a link between Taiwan’s economic and national security strengths, and that the U.S. was engaging with Taiwan “on both fronts.”
In terms of defense cooperation, Kildee said the U.S. stands with the Taiwanese. He referred to the House of Representative’s passage of the supplemental funding for Taiwan’s military on April 20 as a testament “that when it comes to the need that Taiwan has to defend itself against any aggression, the United States will be there.”
The aid package allocated US$8.12 billion (NT$264 billion) for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. Of that, US$2 billion in Foreign Military Financing went to Taiwan and other U.S. regional security partners to counter Chinese aggression, and US$1.9 billion was for replenishing defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.
Kildee also said it was vital to support Taiwan’s economic future. Hailing from Michigan, an automotive powerhouse, the representative told Taiwan News his state was “heavily dependent” on domestic and American allies’ supply chains, which includes Taiwan’s semiconductors.
Representative Lisa McClain said the supplemental for Taiwan’s military “speaks volumes to how we view our relationship with Taiwan.” Both Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly support providing more assistance to Taiwan, she said.
As a fellow Michiganian, McClain said the state was “the auto capital of the world” and welcomed Taiwan’s friendship. Semiconductor cooperation “is a very important critical piece, economically for us as well, so we’re grateful for the relationship and the partnership,” she said.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer opened a trade office in Taipei last month to secure investments in automotive, semiconductors, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing industries to create employment opportunities and bring vital supply chains back to Michigan.
Representative Mark Alford expressed regret that the U.S. was slow to deliver weapons to Taiwan on time. “It would show our commitment in a stronger fashion had those come out sooner and on a more regular basis,” Alford said.
There is currently a massive backlog of weapons Taiwan previously purchased from the U.S., totaling US$19.2 billion. The list of delayed arms includes a variety of missiles, F-16vs, and Abrams tanks.
Alford said he and his fellow lawmakers were “committed to putting pressure on the powers that be” to guarantee Taiwan receives the weapons and aid it needs.
The three-member congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday morning to hold talks with government officials concerning Taiwan-U.S. relations and regional security.