Full Breakdown
House Republicans Meet Taiwan’s Pro-Reunification Opposition Leader Amid Arms-Sale Uncertainty
6/11/2026, 6:46:07 AM
Republican Delegation Meets Cheng Li-wun in Washington
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla., and Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., will meet this week in Washington with Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan’s Kuomintang party, which supports peaceful reunification with Beijing. They intend to probe Cheng’s April talks with President Xi Jinping and assess Taiwan’s defense posture.
Context: Taiwan’s Defense Funding and U.S. Arms Sale
Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature approved a $25 billion special defense budget last month, down from President Lai Ching-te’s $40 billion request. The United States is reviewing a $14 billion arms sale approved by Congress but on hold. President Donald Trump has floated a direct call with President Lai, a step China has warned against.
Key Figures
- Brian Mast – Foreign Affairs Committee chair, oversees U.S. foreign policy and intelligence.
- Young Kim – Republican Rep, leads East Asia subcommittee, pushes for higher Taiwan defense spending.
- Cheng Li-wun – Kuomintang leader, supports peaceful reunification with Beijing.
- Lai Ching-te – Taiwan’s president, sought $40 billion defense funding and $14 billion arms package.
- Donald Trump – Former president, signaled willingness to call President Lai.
- Xi Jinping – Chinese president, met Cheng in April.
Official Statements & Responses
Mast said he has no set agenda for the meeting but stressed his duty to gather intelligence from any source. Kim’s office said the talks will seek to persuade Cheng’s party to support higher defense spending as a clear sign of Taiwan’s self-defense. The White House confirmed Trump’s interest in speaking with Lai, while Chinese officials warned against any direct U.S.–Taiwan presidential contact.
Criticism & Opposition
Chinese authorities warned against a direct U.S.–Taiwan call. Some U.S. officials expressed disappointment that Taiwan’s $25 billion budget falls short of President Lai’s $40 billion request, arguing the gap may constrain Taiwan’s defense.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the defense funding shortfall: Taiwan’s legislature approved $25 billion, while President Lai originally sought $40 billion, leaving a $15 billion gap. The $14 billion arms sale is on hold, with its status unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I take intelligence from anywhere I can get.” — Brian Mast, Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee
- “important demonstration of Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense and deterrence.” — Young Kim’s spokesperson, Ellie Gilchrist
- “I’ll always talk to him,” — Donald Trump, former President of the United States
- “seek greater clarity on the substance of those discussions,” — Young Kim’s spokesperson, Ellie Gilchrist
What’s Next
Mast and Kim will meet Cheng later this week and then brief senior U.S. officials on insights into Taiwan’s defense stance and China’s diplomatic messaging. Trump’s proposed call with Lai remains under review, and the $14 billion arms sale is expected to be reconsidered in upcoming congressional hearings.
