Lai last year proposed US$40 billion (RM159.14 billion) in extra defence spending to counter China, which views the island as its own territory. Parliament, where the opposition has a majority, is continuing to debate the government's plan and competing, less expensive proposals. Banks was one of a group of 37 bipartisan US lawmakers who in February wrote to senior Taiwanese politicians expressing concern about parliament stalling defence spending plans. A separate group of US lawmakers gave a similar message urging parliament to pass the defence spending during a visit to Taipei last week. The KMT says it supports defence spending but will not sign "blank cheques" and that dialogue with Beijing is equally important.

Source: The Edge Markets April 09, 2026 03:47 UTC