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U.S. Lawmakers Urge Taiwan to Boost Defense Spending

2/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is urging Taiwan to increase its defense spending amid rising military pressure from China.
Senators and Representatives express concerns that political gridlock in Taiwan could weaken deterrence.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te proposed a $40 billion defense budget.
Opposition parties push for less expensive alternatives to Lai Ching-te's proposal.

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Story summary

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is urging Taiwan to increase its defense spending amid rising military pressure from China.
Senators and Representatives express concerns that political gridlock in Taiwan could weaken deterrence.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te proposed a $40 billion defense budget.
Opposition parties push for less expensive alternatives to Lai Ching-te's proposal.