TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mike Pence on Thursday urged Donald Trump’s administration and US lawmakers to accelerate arms deliveries to Taiwan.

Speaking at a forum titled “Why Taiwan Matters” hosted by George Mason University’s Taiwan Security Monitor, the former US vice president called on Washington to act swiftly amid rising cross-strait tensions, per CNA. Taiwan’s representative to the US Alexander Yui (俞大㵢) also attended the event.

Pence said Taiwan faces mounting threats from China, noting that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been open about his intentions toward Taiwan, per UDN. He commended Taipei for strengthening its defense capabilities, stressing that peace must be achieved through strength.

Recalling his meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in January, Pence said Lai vowed to raise defense spending to 3.3% of GDP next year, to reach 5% in the future. This, he said, demonstrates Taiwan’s clear recognition of the growing security challenge.

However, Pence said Taiwan cannot stand alone against Beijing’s military pressure. He added that Washington still has NT$611 billion (US$20 billion) in approved arms sales to Taiwan pending delivery, calling the delay unacceptable.

Pence warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would shake global stability. Allowing authoritarian regimes to redraw borders by force, he cautioned, would embolden autocrats everywhere.