## Taiwan to Discuss Funding with US
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced on Sunday that it will engage in discussions with the United States regarding the utilization of funding allocated to the island within a $95 billion legislative package primarily focused on security assistance for Ukraine and Israel.
The United States remains Taiwan's most significant international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Taiwan, a democratically governed nation, has faced escalating military pressure from China, which claims the island as its own territory. Taiwan's government firmly rejects these claims.
The Ministry of National Defense expressed gratitude to the U.S. House of Representatives for approving the package on Saturday, highlighting it as a testament to the "rock-solid" U.S. support for Taiwan.
The ministry further stated that it "will coordinate the relevant budget uses with the United States through existing exchange mechanisms, and work hard to strengthen combat readiness capabilities to ensure national security and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."
Since 2022, Taiwan has voiced concerns regarding delays in deliveries of U.S. weapons, including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. These delays are attributed to manufacturers prioritizing supply to Ukraine in support of its defense against invading Russian forces.
Underscoring the pressure Taiwan faces from China, the ministry reported on Sunday morning that 14 Chinese military aircraft had crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait within the preceding 24 hours.
The median line previously served as an unofficial border, respected by both sides, over which neither military crossed. However, China's air force now regularly sends aircraft across the line, denying its existence.
On Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that China had once again conducted "joint combat readiness patrols" with warships and warplanes around Taiwan.
China's Ministry of National Defense did not respond to requests for comment outside of office hours on Sunday.
Taiwan's armed forces are significantly smaller than those of China, particularly the navy and air force.