00:00The U.S. is likely to approve new arms sales to Taiwan soon.
00:05In a letter to Taiwan's legislature, U.S. Senator Jean Shaheen and three of her colleagues
00:10reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening Taiwan's defense.
00:14They asked Taiwanese lawmakers to move quickly on a proposed $40 billion US dollar special defense budget,
00:21citing China's increasing military threats.
00:24And they also acknowledged concerns over delayed arms sales,
00:27saying they expect that some of the pending sales will be announced in the coming weeks.
00:32They would come just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's highly anticipated visit to China in May.
00:38It seems to me as we're looking at the president's trip to China next month,
00:46that it would be a very strong message to send to have Congress be notified
00:55that the administration is moving forward on those arms sales.
00:58According to the senators, the new weapons packages would include counter-drone assets,
01:03an integrated battle command system,
01:06and medium-range munitions to enhance Taiwan's air defenses.
01:09That would be on top of a record $11 billion US dollar arms sale approved last December.
01:15One expert says the urgency of the sales does not just come from the White House.
01:20The administrations tend to be the source of consternation in U.S.-Taiwan relations
01:25because presidents are managing the China portfolio.
01:28And that inevitably will overshadow Taiwan.
01:32And Congress has always been there in a bipartisan way
01:36to step in and advocate for Taiwan's interests.
01:41The defense ministry did not immediately respond to Taiwan Plus's request for comment.
01:46Opposition lawmakers say negotiations on the special defense budget will continue.
01:52The senator's letter also comes just days after
02:01Kuomintang Chair Zheng Liwen returned from a visit to China,
02:05where she met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
02:07She says her trip was meant to promote cross-strait peace,
02:11but some worry about what it might signal to Washington.
02:15Now, with new arms sales possibly on the horizon
02:18and Trump's China trip fast approaching,
02:21there is new urgency for Taiwan's lawmakers to come together
02:24and approve more defense funding.
02:27Chris Ma and Ellen Liu for Taiwan Plus.
02:29Thanks very much.
02:29Congratulations.
02:31Thanks, Sharon.
02:32Bye.
02:32Bye.
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