WASHINGTON/BEIJING – A high-ranking American official voiced frustration on Sunday following Taiwan’s legislative decision to authorize military funding below what the United States considers necessary for the island nation’s security needs.
Speaking anonymously, the official stated that Washington found the outcome “disappointing in that there was some stuff left on the cutting room floor that we believe still needs to be funded.”
The official added, “We’d like to see the rest of the original proposed package funded.”
Taiwan’s legislature gave final approval on Friday to additional military expenditures totaling $25 billion, representing approximately two-thirds of the full amount Taiwan’s government had requested. The funding is intended to strengthen the island’s defensive capabilities as it faces an increasingly advanced Chinese military threat.
The reduced spending approval came through Taiwan’s parliament, which is currently under opposition party control.
