Story perspectives

Taiwan's Defense Budget Bill Takes Center Stage Amid U.S. Pressure

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taiwan's parliament will prioritize reviewing NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) defense budget bill when sessions resume on February 24.
The push follows Washington pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump discussed consulting Chinese President Xi Jinping on arms sales.
A bipartisan group of 37 U.S. lawmakers urged Taiwan to fund the defense package fully to avoid weakening deterrence.
Legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu affirmed the bill's priority, stressing Taiwan-U.S. relations for Indo-Pacific stability.

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Story summary

Taiwan's parliament will prioritize reviewing NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) defense budget bill when sessions resume on February 24.
The push follows Washington pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump discussed consulting Chinese President Xi Jinping on arms sales.
A bipartisan group of 37 U.S. lawmakers urged Taiwan to fund the defense package fully to avoid weakening deterrence.
Legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu affirmed the bill's priority, stressing Taiwan-U.S. relations for Indo-Pacific stability.