US senators urge Trump to speed Taiwan arms deliveries | Taiwan News | Oct. 1, 2026 10:49

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — More than 20 Democratic US senators on Sept. 24 urged the Trump administration to quickly deliver approved defense aid and arms sales to Taiwan following the Trump-Xi meeting.

CNA reported that the lawmakers released a joint statement led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen. They urged the administration to deliver about NT$41.44 billion (US$1.3 billion) in funding, existing arms sales, and an NT$439 billion (US$14 billion) weapons package approved nine months ago.

The senators said the military support would strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. They also warned that conflict across the Taiwan Strait could destabilize the region and threaten the global economy.

The group called for closer cooperation between Washington and its Indo-Pacific allies. It also urged the US to counter Beijing’s economic and military pressure, including its activities in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Xi Jinping was in Washington Sept. 23 to 25 and met Trump at the White House. Chinese state media said Xi urged the US to oppose “Taiwan independence” and handle Taiwan-related issues carefully, while Trump later said they did not discuss Taiwan at length.

Reuters reported that Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker met Taiwan’s representative to the US, Alexander Yui (俞大㵢), to discuss US security commitments and China’s pressure in the Indo-Pacific.

Wicker also cited the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, saying Congress must ensure the law is followed when addressing Taiwan’s defense needs. The act provides the legal basis for the US to make defensive arms available to Taiwan.