US Senator Urges Taiwan's KMT to Back Defense Budget, Alaska LNG Project

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan has publicly called on Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party chairwoman, Cheng Li-wen, to support the island's defense budget and an Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a strong proponent of Taiwan's defense capabilities, met with Cheng in Washington.

In a social media post, Sullivan emphasized his consistent support for U.S.-Taiwan relations, irrespective of Taiwan's political landscape. However, he directly conveyed his expectations to Cheng, urging the KMT to cooperate with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to pass the defense budget and back the Alaska LNG initiative.

The senator's public statement focused on these two key issues: defense spending and energy cooperation. The defense budget has been a recurring point of discussion, with the U.S. repeatedly encouraging Taiwan to bolster its self-defense capabilities and increase military investment. Sullivan has previously criticized any attempts to cut defense budgets, warning it sends the wrong signal.

Beyond defense, Sullivan also promoted the Alaska LNG project, which seeks investment and procurement from Asian markets. U.S. officials have actively pitched these natural gas development and export plans to Taiwan to deepen energy ties. Cheng is currently leading a delegation in Washington, engaging with lawmakers and political figures.

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I’m a strong advocate for the US-Taiwan relationship, regardless of politics in Taiwan. But, as I told her, we need KMT to join with the DPP to finish the defense budget and support the Alaska LNG project.