U.S. envoy calls on Taiwan legislators to pass special defense budgetStaff Writer, with CNAThe United States’ de facto ambassador to Taiwan on Thursday urged lawmakers across party lines to pass a special defense budget to fund planned purchases of U.S. weapon systems for self-defense. “We encourage all parties in Taiwan’s legislature to work through political differences and quickly pass a special defense budget that demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to its self-defense by funding the acquisition of critical defense capabilities,” he added. Greene’s remarks came after lawmakers wrapped up a three-day joint session earlier Thursday to review three competing special defense budget proposals, without reaching a conclusion. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) have proposed smaller plans of NT$380 billion and NT$400 billion, respectively. Greene delivered the address at the annual AmCham Hsieh Nien Fan banquet, which was also attended by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Source: Taipei Times March 26, 2026 17:15 UTC