Washington, Feb 19 (NationPress) A bipartisan coalition of prominent U.S. legislators has called upon Taiwan’s authorities to substantially enhance their defense budget, cautioning that inadequate funding for a supplementary defense budget could undermine efforts to deter PRC “aggression”.

Leading this initiative are U.S. Senators Jim Risch, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Pete Ricketts, and Chris Coons, alongside Representatives Young Kim and Ami Bera. They sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan leadership, which garnered signatures from 37 members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

This letter, directed to Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Chair Cheng Li-wun, Chair Huang Kuo-chang, and Caucus Whip Ker Chien-ming, articulated the lawmakers’ concerns regarding the ongoing discussions in the Legislative Yuan about only partially funding a supplementary budget proposal aimed at bolstering Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.

According to the letter, “The United States shares a strong and enduring partnership with the people of Taiwan,” emphasizing a relationship founded on shared democratic values, robust economic connections, and a collective commitment to Indo-Pacific peace and stability.

Referencing the Taiwan Relations Act, the lawmakers reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s security and its ability to defend itself against coercion, highlighting ongoing security cooperation, including expanded training, enhanced interoperability, and arms sales.

However, they cautioned that the threat from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) towards Taiwan has escalated dramatically.

“Xi Jinping is mobilizing every aspect of the PRC’s national power to assert control over Taiwan, employing illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive tactics that undermine Taiwan’s resolve,”

the letter stated.

The lawmakers mentioned actions such as frequently operating within Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone, increasing crossings of the median line, harassing fishing vessels, and severing undersea cables. They also referenced “large-scale People’s Liberation Army exercises in October 2024, April 2025, and December 2025,” which they claimed demonstrate preparations for a blockade or invasion.

“Faced with this worsening threat landscape, both the U.S. and Taiwan must intensify their efforts to deter PRC aggression,” the letter asserted.

“The U.S. must tackle the significant backlog in arms deliveries to Taiwan. We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure Taiwan receives the necessary capabilities promptly. Additionally, we need Taiwan to enhance its efforts alongside us.”

While praising Taiwan for its strides in strengthening military readiness, reserve forces, and asymmetric defense capabilities, the lawmakers warned that “without substantial increases in Taiwan’s defense spending at levels indicated in President Lai’s proposed special budget, this progress will be inadequate.”

They acknowledged the complexities surrounding government funding discussions, stating that “Legislators must reflect the will of our constituents and ensure taxpayer funds are utilized effectively.” However, they added, “We also bear the responsibility to finance our militaries at levels that respond to the critical threats we encounter.”

“Therefore, we hope you will endorse a robust, multi-year special defense budget and ensure annual funding levels that are appropriate for the moment, clearly signaling Taiwan’s determination to defend itself,” the letter concluded.

This appeal arises amid escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and growing apprehension in Washington regarding China’s military modernization and coercive tactics against Taipei.