Taipei: Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu, alongside a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, expressed strong support for elevating Taiwan’s defense budget to exceed 3 percent of its GDP next year during a meeting with visiting U.S. senators. This meeting took place on Saturday and included discussions on Taiwan’s military strategies and the strengthening of U.S.-Taiwan relations.

According to Focus Taiwan, representing the opposition Kuomintang, was joined by lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the Taiwan People’s Party in discussions with Senators Roger Wicker and Deb Fischer. The senators’ visit to Taiwan, which began on Friday, was part of a two-day trip and included a meeting with President Lai Ching-te. Wicker, chair of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, and Fischer, a committee member, were briefed on the bipartisan consensus to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

The visit coincided with a Cabinet proposal aiming to increase Taiwan’s 2026 defense budget to over 3 percent of GDP, pending legislative approval. President Lai has also committed to raising the defense budget to 5 percent of GDP by 2030, aligning with NATO standards-a goal supported by Han and other lawmakers during the discussions.

Han emphasized the significance of the meeting, which also included American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene, as a demonstration of cross-party support for Taiwan’s defense strategies and the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. He underscored the importance of understanding the Chinese Communist Party’s strategies and responding wisely to emerging challenges.

Highlighting the increased pressure from China post-Russia-Ukraine war, Han called for greater international support and emphasized the growing importance of congressional diplomacy. He urged allies, including the United States, to provide tangible backing for Taiwan’s defense efforts.

The meeting also covered topics such as military exchanges, personnel training, weapons procurement, and conflict prevention, indicating a comprehensive approach to strengthening Taiwan’s defense.