A bipartisan group of senior US lawmakers has urged Taiwan’s leadership to substantially increase defence spending, cautioning that partial funding of a proposed supplementary military budget could undermine efforts to deter aggression from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The appeal was made in a joint letter led by Senators Jim Risch, Pete Ricketts, and Chris Coons, along with Representatives Young Kim and Ami Bera. The letter, signed by 37 members of the US Senate and House of Representatives, was addressed to key figures in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, including Speaker Han Kuo-yu.

In their message, the lawmakers expressed concern over deliberations to only partially fund a supplementary defence budget aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s military capabilities. They emphasized that the United States maintains a strong and enduring partnership with Taiwan, grounded in shared democratic values, close economic ties, and a mutual commitment to preserving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Citing the Taiwan Relations Act, the lawmakers reaffirmed Washington’s longstanding commitment to supporting Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities. They pointed to sustained security cooperation, including expanded military training, enhanced interoperability, and continued arms sales.

However, the letter warned that the threat posed by Beijing has intensified significantly. The lawmakers stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping is leveraging all elements of national power to pressure Taiwan through what they described as coercive and aggressive tactics. These actions include frequent operations within Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone, increased crossings of the median line in the Taiwan Strait, harassment of Taiwanese vessels, and interference with undersea infrastructure.

They also referenced large-scale People’s Liberation Army exercises conducted in October 2024, April 2025, and December 2025, which they said demonstrate China’s growing preparedness for a potential blockade or invasion scenario.

While commending Taiwan for progress in strengthening military readiness, reserve forces, and asymmetric defence strategies, the lawmakers argued that such efforts would be insufficient without significant increases in defence funding, particularly at levels reflected in President Lai’s proposed special budget.

The letter acknowledged the complexities of domestic budget debates but stressed that elected officials have a responsibility to adequately fund national defence in the face of mounting security challenges. The lawmakers concluded by urging Taiwan to adopt a robust, multi-year special defence budget and maintain annual funding levels that send a clear signal of resolve to deter PRC aggression.

The appeal comes amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait and growing concern in Washington over China’s expanding military modernization and pressure tactics against Taipei.