TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said on Sunday it will discuss with the United States how to use funding for the island included in a $95 billion legislative package that mainly includes security assistance to Ukraine and Israel .
The United States is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Democratically governed Taiwan has faced growing military pressure from China, which considers the island its territory. The Taiwanese government rejects such claims.
The Defense Ministry expressed its thanks to the US House of Representatives for passing the package on Saturday, saying it demonstrates the US’ “rock-solid” support for Taiwan.
The ministry added that it will “coordinate related uses of the budget with the United States through existing exchange mechanisms and work hard to strengthen combat readiness capabilities to ensure national security, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
Since 2022, Taiwan has complained about delays in deliveries of US weapons such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers have focused on supplying Ukraine to help the country fight Russian invading forces.
Underscoring the pressure Taiwan is facing from China, the ministry said Sunday morning that 14 Chinese military aircraft had crossed the sensitive midline of the Taiwan Strait in the previous 24 hours.
The median line once served as an unofficial border between the two sides, beyond which neither side’s military crossed, but the Chinese air force now regularly sends planes over it. China says it does not recognize the existence of the line.
On Saturday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China again carried out “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships and warplanes around Taiwan.
China’s Defense Ministry did not respond to calls seeking comment outside office hours on Sunday.
The island’s armed forces are dwarfed by China’s, particularly the navy and air force.