Taipei: A senior official at the U.S. Department of Defense on Wednesday called on Taiwan's political parties to unite in passing a special defense budget, highlighting the United States' capacity to offer security assistance to Taiwan through various programs.
According to Focus Taiwan, John Noh, assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs at the Defense Department, emphasized the Foreign Military Sales program, Taiwan Defense Act, and Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative as foundations for U.S. support during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Noh stated that the Defense Department is actively exploring options to provide assistance to Taiwan and has been discussing these with Defense Secretary Hegseth and the president.
In a written statement, Noh noted that maintaining a favorable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific should not be the sole responsibility of the U.S. military. He urged wealthy allies to increase defense spending, stressing its importance for Taiwan. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has pledged to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2030, including a special defense budget to address critical defense needs.
Lai's proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.69 billion) eight-year defense budget has faced opposition from other parties, which suggest lower budgets between NT$380 billion and NT$400 billion. Noh mentioned ongoing collaboration with Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense to encourage political cooperation for passing this budget, essential for Taiwan's defense requirements.
Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, addressed delays in F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Taiwan, stressing the importance of timely Foreign Military Sales deliveries. He also discussed potential non-kinetic threats from China, such as information warfare and lawfare operations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning against such scenarios.
In a statement, Paparo warned that China's actions near Taiwan could be preparations for forced unification, with Beijing not ruling out the use of force.