TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with US lawmakers representing the Senate Armed Services Committee in Taipei on Friday.

Committee Chair Senator Roger Wicker and Ranking Member Senator Deb Fischer arrived in Taiwan on Friday to discuss issues of mutual concern to Taiwan and the US. Lai warmly welcomed the US lawmakers and during their meeting pledged that Taiwan’s defense spending budget would surpass 3% of its GDP for 2026, reported CNA.

To ensure peace and prosperity in the region and expand cooperation with the US, Lai said that Taiwan’s defense budget will reach 5% of its GDP by the year 2030. He said Taiwan hopes to continue working with the US as a force for global prosperity in the years ahead. 

Lai said the visit by the Armed Services Committee chair, the first in nine years, represents the deep and enduring legacy of security cooperation between Taiwan and the US. He noted that the committee under Wicker’s leadership has consistently expressed support for Taiwan.

Lai also notes that the US is now Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner, and the largest recipient of outbound investment from Taiwan. During his meeting with the US officials, Lai expressed his hope that the tariff negotiations could resolve the trade deficit and further strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between Taiwan and the US.