US Senators Urge Trump to Expedite Taiwan Defence Deliveries
Twenty-one Democratic senators demand immediate delivery of approved defence assistance to Taiwan to counter China's regional aggression.
In a significant move to bolster regional security, twenty-one Democratic US senators have formally urged President Donald Trump to accelerate the delivery of defence assistance to Taiwan. The senators expressed urgent concerns regarding the escalating military and economic pressure exerted by China across the Indo-Pacific region.
Urgent Call for Approved Military Aid
The joint statement, issued following a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, demands the prompt fulfillment of defence support that has already received authorization from the US Congress. The senators emphasized that delays in these deliveries could undermine Taiwan's ability to defend itself.
The scale of the requested assistance is substantial, involving several major components:
- USD 1.3 billion in previously approved congressional funds.
- Ongoing approved weapons sales that are currently pending delivery.
- A massive USD 14 billion package of new arms sales that was authorized nine months ago.
Preventing Global Economic Disruption
The lawmakers argued that US support for Taiwan's self-defence is not merely a regional necessity but a global one. They warned that failing to secure Taiwan could lead to a potential cross-Strait conflict, which would trigger widespread economic consequences across the globe.
To counter what they described as China's "economic and military coercion," the senators called for:
- Stronger coordination between the US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific.
- A strategic focus on long-term investment and the defence of democratic values.
- A more assertive stance against China's activities in the South China Sea and its increasing military aggression in the East China Sea.
Criticism of China's Human Rights Record
Beyond military concerns, the senators raised alarms regarding China's internal and external human rights practices. They noted that repression within China is worsening and increasingly extending beyond its borders.
The lawmakers specifically highlighted:
- The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which they allege institutionalizes the forced assimilation of Tibetans and Uyghurs.
- The ongoing detention of several individuals, including the high-profile Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai.
Leadership and Policy Direction
The high-profile statement was led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Other prominent signatories included Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, and Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The senators also voiced criticism regarding recent diplomatic engagements with China, suggesting that Washington missed opportunities to address Chinese military pressure on US allies. They maintained that US policy toward China must prioritize coordination with international partners to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific.