WASHINTON (TVBS News) — U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller responded on Wednesday (July 17) to former President Donald Trump's comments on Taiwan's defense expenses. Miller emphasized that Taiwan has consistently funded its defense and purchased billions of dollars in military equipment, significantly contributing to the U.S. economy.
According to the Taiwan Relations Act (台灣關係法), the U.S. will provide sufficient defense materials and technical services to maintain Taiwan's self-defense capability. The president and Congress will determine the type and quantity of defense materials and services based on Taiwan's defense needs.
Miller reiterated that Taiwan has always paid for its defense and purchased billions of dollars in weapons from the U.S., supporting American manufacturing, defense, and technology industries.
Last July, the U.S. government used the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to provide Taiwan with necessary military equipment. In August, the U.S. provided $80 million in aid through Foreign Military Financing (FMF), marking Taiwan's first free military assistance.
Miller affirmed that the U.S. will continue to evaluate and ensure Taiwan receives the necessary defense materials and services to maintain adequate self-defense capabilities. He also mentioned that the U.S. believes cross-strait peace and stability are essential to the U.S. and global economy. Any instability in the Taiwan Strait could disrupt the U.S. economy, highlighting the importance of these issues.