TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) on July 25 released a report titled Taiwan: Defense and Military Issues, reviewing bilateral military assistance, training, and preparedness.
The CRS is part of the Library of Congress and provides objective, nonpartisan research and analysis to US lawmakers and congressional committees.
According to the report, military cooperation between the US and Taiwan appears to be expanding, including direct military aid and arms purchases. The report also highlights the domestic challenges Taiwan faces in achieving its defense goals, with policymakers divided over the most effective strategies to deter China, per CNA.
While Taiwan’s major political parties support increased defense spending, budget disputes in the Legislative Yuan have raised concerns about the country’s ability to fund critical defense programs.
The report also details challenges in Taiwan’s military recruitment, training, and retention. Observers cited in the report say civil defense remains underdeveloped, and critical infrastructure—such as energy, food, water, and communications—remains vulnerable to sabotage.
US arms sales have long been the most tangible component of US support for Taiwan’s defense, with most transactions taking place through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Between 2015 and 2025, Taiwan will have received an estimated US$28 billion (NT$837.2 billion) in FMS-related support.
The report also notes that the 117th US Congress (2021–2023) passed the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, which introduced new channels for arms sales to Taiwan. For the first time, the act extended Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to Taiwan, allowing the US to transfer weapons and services directly from Department of Defense stockpiles—an effort to address concerns over the slow pace of FMS deliveries.
Since the act’s passage, three PDA programs totaling US$1.5 billion have been announced. The law also allows for Foreign Military Financing, which enables Taiwan to receive grants or loans for weapons purchases.
Taiwan is also expanding its participation in the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, which would provide discounted access to US military education programs. According to Thomas Shattuck of the Global Taiwan Institute, the IMET initiative allows Taiwanese military officers to train alongside international peers in the US.
The report said Taiwan allocated about 2.5% of its GDP to defense in 2024. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has stated his goal is to increase defense spending to over 3% of GDP this year.
