US lawmakers urge Taiwan to pass stalled $40 billion defence budget - Reuters

A delegation of US lawmakers visited Taipei to press Taiwan's government to approve a stalled $40 billion defence budget. Taiwan has faced political gridlock over military spending even as it confronts increasing military pressure from China, which views the self-governing island as part of its territory. The lawmakers' visit underscores Washington's strategic interest in ensuring Taiwan maintains robust defences amid deteriorating cross-strait tensions. Taiwan's legislature has struggled to pass the budget amid domestic political divisions, though the island's government has prioritized military modernization. US support for Taiwan's military capability remains a cornerstone of American strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.