WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today commended Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te for his call to pass a special budget to boost defense spending.

The Chairman released the following statement:

“President Lai’s announcement of a new special (defense) budget is yet another demonstration of Taiwan’s resolve and commitment to its self-defense. This proposed increase in defense spending shows Taiwan to be a determined partner that is capable and willing to share the burden of deterring aggression in its region. We encourage our colleagues in Taiwan’s parliament to work with the Lai Administration on a bipartisan basis to swiftly enact this special budget into law. Doing so can demonstrate that legitimate political differences will be set aside when it comes to matters related to the urgent needs associated with the defense of Taiwan.”