U.S. Concern

Taiwan President Lai Ching te warned on Wednesday that prolonged delays in approving a proposed forty billion dollar defense spending package could undermine international confidence in the island’s resolve to defend itself, as opposition lawmakers continue to block the plan in parliament.

The warning comes amid rising pressure from the United States, Taiwan’s most important security partner, as Washington watches closely how Taipei responds to growing military pressure from China.

Speaking at a meeting of his Democratic Progressive Party, Lai said continued obstruction of the additional defense budget risks slowing urgent upgrades to Taiwan’s military capabilities.

He said that delaying …