Canadian delegation, US senator visiting TaiwanPEACE THROUGH STRENGTH: US Senator Jim Banks told William Lai the legislature should pass the special defense budget to send a signal to China and the worldStaff writer, with agenciesCanadian Senate Opposition Leader Leo Housakos is visiting Taiwan at the head of a delegation to deepen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on foreign information manipulation and interference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday. Separately, visiting US Senator Jim Banks said during a meeting with President William Lai (賴清德) on Wednesday that the legislature should pass a stalled special defense budget to send a signal to China and the world that Taiwan is serious about peace through strength. “But your Legislative Yuan has to do its part and pass the special budget, and that’s one message that I want to send to your leadership,” Banks said. Lai told Banks that Taiwan “loved peace,” but only strength could ensure it. “Taiwan is willing to engage in dialogue, but no engagement can come at the cost of sacrificing democracy, freedom and national interests,” he said.

Source: Taipei Times April 09, 2026 17:15 UTC