Visiting U.S. Senators Warn of China-Led “Axis of Aggression”
On August 29, visiting U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Deb Fischer (R-NE) pledged to strengthen deterrence against what they described as the “axis of aggression” led by China. Speaking at a rare press conference at Taiwan’s Presidential Office, both lawmakers urged closer cooperation between the militaries and defense industries of the U.S. and Taiwan.
Most Dangerous Moment Since WWII: “There is an axis of aggression that threatens the freedom of many people around the world,” Senator Wicker said shortly after meeting President Lai Ching-te. He cited China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran — whose leaders are reportedly set to gather in Beijing next week for a military parade marking the end of World War II after Japan’s surrender.
Wicker described China as “the pacing threat,” warning that the U.S. and its allies are facing “the most dangerous security moment since World War II.” He added that war has often broken out “when we let our guard down” and failed to respond to rising threats.
Strengthening Collective Deterrence: Senator Fischer, who serves on the same committee, stressed that both the U.S. and Taiwan must “invest wisely to strengthen deterrence and to ensure that our defenses are prepared for the threats of tomorrow.” She underlined the importance of alliances, saying deterrence depends on “friends, partners [and] allies around the world” working together to resist aggressive and belligerent nations.
“A stronger Taiwan means a stronger United States, and vice versa,” she added, calling Beijing’s increasing military threats and political pressure on Taiwan “unacceptable.”
Asymmetric Defense: During the meeting, President Lai reiterated his government’s focus on strengthening asymmetric capabilities through U.S. arms purchases and Taiwan’s indigenous defense programs. He also urged joint R&D projects to help narrow the significant military gap across the Taiwan Strait.
Chinese state media reported that China’s defense budget this year is an estimated US$249 billion — more than 10 times Taiwan’s. Despite the imbalance, Lai stressed the Taiwanese people’s determination to defend their nation: “We will not allow any encroachment on or annexation of our sovereignty.”
Source:
[1] Focus Taiwan
President Lai Targets 5% GDP Defense Spending by 2030
On August 22, President Lai Ching-te said he hoped Taiwan’s defense spending would reach as high as 5 percent of GDP before 2030. His remarks came a day after the Cabinet announced that next year’s proposed defense budget would hit the highest share of GDP since 2009.
Increasing Defense Budget: On August 21, Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that Taiwan’s proposed fiscal year 2026 defense budget would total NT$949.5 billion (US$31.18 billion), or 3.32 percent of GDP, including expenditures for the Coast Guard and veterans’ affairs. He noted that the new calculation method aligns with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) standards.
Taiwan continues to face calls from Washington to boost defense spending, similar to the pressure the U.S. has placed on its European allies.
Taiwan’s Defense Resolve: Visiting the navy’s 168th Fleet in Yilan County, President Lai said that he hoped “defense spending could reach 5 percent of GDP before 2030, in line with NATO standards,” in light of rising threats from China.
“This not only demonstrates our country’s determination to safeguard national security and protect democracy, freedom and human rights,” he said, adding that it also underscores Taiwan’s commitment to working with global partners to project deterrence and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Military Cooperation and Modernization: Lai noted that the government would continue strengthening cooperation with international allies on weapons research, development, and production. He added that Taiwan will keep procuring advanced weapons to modernize its military arsenal, including next-generation frigates to replace the aging Knox-class (Chi Yang-class) frigates
Enhancing Defense Autonomy: While the United States remains Taiwan’s most important arms supplier, the nation’s domestic defense industry has already built a broad range of systems, from fighter jets to cruise missiles. Lai said further measures will be introduced to expand Taiwan’s defense industrial base and enhance its overall autonomy in national defense.
