$8 billion US military aid package to Taiwan will 'boost confidence' in region: president
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A $8 billion defense package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives over the weekend will “strengthen the deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific ally chain,” Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te said Tuesday, in a reference to key rival China.
The funding will also “help ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and also boost confidence in the region” Lai, currently Taiwan’s vice president, told visiting Michigan Representatives Lisa McClain, a Republican, and Democrat Dan Kildee at a meeting at the Presidential Office Building in the capital Taipei.
In the face of “authoritarian expansionism,” Taiwan is “determined to safeguard democracy and also safeguard our homeland, Lai said.”
Also known as William Lai, U.S.-educated former medical researcher is despised by Beijing for his opposition to political unification with the mainland. In recent elections, the pro-unification Nationalists won a narrow majority in the legislature, but their influence on foreign policy and other national issues remains limited.
Related articles
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
A university boss has been praised after telling a pro-Gaza student mob he will not meet them until2024-05-21- Rescuers work among the rubble after a missile attack in Pecherskyi district, Kiev, Ukraine, March 22024-05-21
Shanghai Disney Resort to open world's first Zootopia
Zootopia characters make an appearance upon the announcement of Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Dis2024-05-21Cavani on target but Boca held by Fortaleza in Copa Sudamericana
Edinson Cavani continued his prolific scoring run as Boca Juniors drew 1-1 at home to Fortaleza in t2024-05-21OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons
NEW YORK (AP) — OpenAI says it plans to halt the use of one of its ChatGPT voices after some users s2024-05-21Hong Kong to host FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced Thursday the 3x3 World Tour season grand fi2024-05-21
atest comment