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.
China Focus: China to Deliver Improved Community Services to Both Urban, Rural Dwellers
Various Events Held Across China to Celebrate Upcoming Lantern Festival
China to Step up Myopia Monitoring Among Youngsters
Children Find Snow Sports Cool, Survey Reveals
China's Woman Astronaut Sends Int'l Women's Day Greetings from Space
Passenger Trips to Exceed 1 Bln During 2022 Spring Festival Travel Rush
UEFA picks two video review referees at center of controversy for Euro 2024 duty
Special Train Helps Migrant Workers in Guizhou Return to Work
Aboriginal spears taken by Captain Cook in 1770 are returned to Australia's Indigenous people
Pupils Enjoy Their Winter Vacation Across China