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.
