TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A $8 billion defense package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives over the weekend will “strengthen the deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific ally chain,” Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te said Tuesday, in a reference to key rival China.
The funding will also “help ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and also boost confidence in the region” Lai, currently Taiwan’s vice president, told visiting Michigan Representatives Lisa McClain, a Republican, and Democrat Dan Kildee at a meeting at the Presidential Office Building in the capital Taipei.
In the face of “authoritarian expansionism,” Taiwan is “determined to safeguard democracy and also safeguard our homeland, Lai said.”
Also known as William Lai, U.S.-educated former medical researcher is despised by Beijing for his opposition to political unification with the mainland. In recent elections, the pro-unification Nationalists won a narrow majority in the legislature, but their influence on foreign policy and other national issues remains limited.
This couple have been 'travelling the world non
Pukaki crash: Malaysian authorities involved after two foreign students die
Bill disestablishing Māori Health Authority to go through Parliament under urgency today
EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: What next for Huw Edwards after he finally confirms he is leaving the BBC?
Coronavirus: Documentary claims to expose Chinese COVID
Bill disestablishing Māori Health Authority to go through Parliament under urgency today
Hong Kong Book Fair: Two local publishers keep titles on sale despite security law complaints
Scottie Scheffler finishes off another win at Hilton Head
Nine injured in incident involving 'corrosive substance' in London, police say
EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: What next for Huw Edwards after he finally confirms he is leaving the BBC?
On Your Side: Survey reveals many college students carry credit