defense budget

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene is urging lawmakers
across party lines to pass a special defense budget to fund planned purchases
of U-S weapon systems.

Speaking at the annual American Chamber of Commerce Hsieh Nien Fan banquet in
Taipei, Greene said Washington's decades-long commitment to Taiwan's
self-defense remains "rock-solid" ...

... and America's "goal continues to be to create an environment in which the
two sides of the Taiwan Strait can resolve their differences peacefully and
free from coercion."

According to Greene, U-S President Donald Trump is urging allies and partners
to increase their defense spending to 5-per cent of G-D-P, and said Taiwan is
no exception.

The A-I-T director went on to say all parties in Taiwan's legislature need to
work through political differences and quickly pass a defense budget that
demonstrates the island's commitment to its self-defense by funding the
acquisition of critical defense capabilities.

President Lai Ching-te also attend the American Chamber's annual banquet -
and his address said Taiwan and the U-S are continuing to deepen their
"comprehensive strategic partnership" and economic ties are "closer than
ever."