During a recent visit to Taipei by U.S. lawmakers, discussions revolved around a stalled U.S. bill that includes military aid for Ukraine and funding for weapons for Taiwan. The bill, which has been blocked by Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, aims to provide $60 billion in new funding for Ukraine and almost $2.6 billion for efforts to deter China, with a significant portion allocated to provide munitions to Taiwan.

The former Republican President, Donald Trump, has opposed aid for Kyiv. The proposed bill is crucial for Taiwan's defense against China's military pressure, as China considers Taiwan as its own territory. The visit to Taiwan also highlighted the importance of the bill for cross-strait deterrence.

Democratic member of the House select committee on China, Raja Krishnamoorthi, emphasized the significance of passing the bill, stating that every meeting during the visit to Taiwan focused on Ukraine and the appropriations package. The visit included meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen and president-elect Lai Ching-te, with discussions revolving around the importance of the outcomes in Ukraine for Taiwan's security.

The United States, despite no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, remains a crucial international supporter and arms supplier for the country. The funding bill not only aims to support Ukraine and Taiwan but also invests in the U.S. military industrial base to address the backlog of orders, including those for Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The discussions in Taipei underscore the interconnectedness of the security situations in Ukraine and Taiwan, with U.S. lawmakers stressing the need to bolster both countries against external threats.