The U-S State Department is urging lawmakers here in Taiwan to set aside
political differences and pass President Lai Ching-te's 1.25-trillion N-T
special defense budget bill that would finance planned purchases of American
weapon systems.

Washington has said doing that demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to its
self-defense by funding the acquisition of critical defense capabilities.

The spokesperson is also reiterating that Washington supports "Taiwan's
acquisition of critical defense capabilities, commensurate with the threat it
faces," in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act.

The statements came after U-S State Department was asked whether Washington
would support a version of the special desfense budget bill proposed by the
K-M-T, if it is passed in Taiwan's Legislature.

The K-M-T's version funds eight weapons sales approved by the U-S last
December.

The Taiwan People's Party has also submitted its version of the special
defense budget bill - which comes with a 400-billion N-T proposed cap on
spending.

All three versions advanced to the committee review stage in the Legislature
last Friday.