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Taiwan Approves $25 B Defence Bill, Calls for More US Arms

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taiwan’s parliament approved a $25 billion defence spending bill to fund the $11 billion U.S. arms package and a second phase of about $15 billion.
President Lai Ching-te blamed China for instability, said Taiwan will keep the status quo, and urged continued U.S. arms sales after President Donald Trump suggested the sales could be a negotiating chip and offered a direct call.
Taiwan’s markets showed little reaction, with stocks unchanged after Trump’s comments.

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Story summary

Taiwan’s parliament approved a $25 billion defence spending bill to fund the $11 billion U.S. arms package and a second phase of about $15 billion.
President Lai Ching-te blamed China for instability, said Taiwan will keep the status quo, and urged continued U.S. arms sales after President Donald Trump suggested the sales could be a negotiating chip and offered a direct call.
Taiwan’s markets showed little reaction, with stocks unchanged after Trump’s comments.