US Urges Taiwan to Pass $40 Billion Defense Budget

The United States is actively pressing Taiwan's legislative body to expedite the approval of a substantial $40 billion defense budget, a crucial package proposed for 2025. Raymond Greene, the de facto US diplomatic representative in Taiwan, has urged lawmakers to pass the 'comprehensive' budget, which is seen as vital for bolstering the island's self-defense capabilities against increasing pressure from mainland China.

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Ký nhanh kẻo mất chỗ

This proposed budget is multifaceted, encompassing the acquisition of advanced weaponry from the US alongside domestic development of key military assets like drones. Taiwan's leadership, under Lai Ching-te, has emphasized that this spending is essential for enhancing deterrence against Beijing and has reiterated the principle that only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their own future. This stance reflects a strong assertion of sovereignty amidst escalating cross-strait tensions.

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Ông Lại từng giải thích khoản chi nhằm tăng cường năng lực răn đe trước Trung Quốc đại lục.

However, the legislative process has encountered a significant hurdle. The Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's main opposition party which holds a majority in the legislature, has requested greater transparency and detailed breakdowns of the proposed expenditures. While the KMT has stated its support for increased defense spending, it insists on not signing 'blank checks.' This cautious approach, particularly from a party that has historically maintained closer ties with mainland China, highlights the complex political dynamics at play within Taiwan.

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Lãnh đạo Đài Loan cũng khẳng định chỉ người dân hòn đảo mới có quyền quyết định tương lai của mình.

US officials, including Greene, have stressed that the swift passage of this budget is not only a signal to the international community about Taiwan's commitment to its own defense but also a practical necessity for Taiwan to secure the proposed defense capabilities. There are concerns that delays could jeopardize Taiwan's position in the queue for crucial US arms deliveries, a point underscored by the island's defense minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, who described the threat from China as a matter of 'survival.' The urgency is palpable, as Taiwan navigates its security needs while managing internal political divisions and external geopolitical pressures.

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KMT khẳng định họ ủng hộ việc tăng chi phòng vệ, nhưng sẽ không "ký những tờ séc khống".