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.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
Xi affirms nation's commitment to future of humanity
New technologies of smart agriculture on display at 5th CIIE in Shanghai
Flying Tigers veteran visits Great Wall in Beijing
Cardi B makes jaws drop as she poses in school girl
Egypt on alert for possible gas ship leakage in Gulf of Aqaba: ministry
HK officials clarify fallacies over legislation of Article 23
Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting to review reports, guideline and regulations
Global plastic treaty: Negotiations hit critical stage in Canada