Taipei: The United States' representative to Taiwan has reiterated strong support for the NT$1.25 trillion (US$39 billion) special defense budget proposed by Taiwan's Cabinet. During a recent TV interview, the representative emphasized that the budget would enable Taiwan to adapt to modern warfare challenges and bolster regional security efforts.
According to Focus Taiwan, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene expressed his belief in a cross-party commitment to Taiwan's security during an interview with TVBS aired on Saturday. Greene encouraged Taiwan's Legislature to review the proposed defense budgets with a spirit of bipartisan cooperation.
Greene highlighted that the United States views the Cabinet's special defense budget as crucial for equipping Taiwan's military with essential capabilities to deter conflicts across the Taiwan Strait. The budget aims to enhance Taiwan's integrated air and missile defenses, distributed command and control systems, communication facilities, and anti-ship and anti-armor capabilities.
In response to Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's remarks about the special budget being a product of extensive consultations between Taipei and Washington, Greene confirmed the statement, acknowledging the collaborative planning process. He noted that the budget was crafted with the evolving nature of warfare in mind, drawing insights from conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
Greene explained that while traditional military focus remains important, it is now significantly influenced by new technologies, particularly unmanned and AI capabilities. This shift in focus is reflected in Taiwan's special defense budget priorities.
When asked about potential implications if the budget fell short of expectations, Greene emphasized the importance of specific capabilities over specific numbers. He reiterated that under the U.S.' National Security Strategy, efforts are directed towards deterring conflicts along the first island chain, a strategic region extending from Japan to Borneo. The U.S. collaborates with regional partners to ensure they are making appropriate investments to support this objective.
Greene further stressed the importance of Taiwan not only building a "physical deterrent effect" but also symbolically demonstrating its commitment to joint security efforts with the United States and other allies in the region.