Bipartisan support in Washington reinforces Taiwan’s efforts to safeguard its security, sovereignty and democratic way of life.
Taiwan is looking to strengthen its defence partnership with the United States as pressure from Beijing continues to shape security across the Taiwan Strait. Following the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo expressed confidence that American congressional support for Taiwan’s self-defence would remain strong despite the change in political control. On November 5, Koo said that support for strengthening Taiwan’s defence capabilities had consistently crossed party lines. He also confirmed that Taiwan would maintain close communication with US lawmakers and the Department of War to ensure that pending arms sales proceed as scheduled.
The political significance of the election extends beyond the immediate question of weapons procurement. Democrats have regained control of both chambers of the US Congress, creating an opportunity for renewed legislative attention to Taiwan’s security and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Su Tzu-yun, director of the Defense Strategy and Resources Division at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, pointed to the Democratic Party’s emphasis on human rights and the possibility of stronger measures to deter Beijing’s coercive actions. One proposal under discussion is the PROTECT Taiwan Act, which seeks to use financial sanctions to discourage Chinese military aggression and other coercive measures against Taiwan.
The stakes are particularly significant given that a proposed US$14 billion arms package remains on hold. US President Donald Trump previously described the proposed sale as a bargaining chip following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May 2026. This has raised concerns in Taipei about the possibility of Taiwan’s security becoming entangled in broader US-China negotiations. The delay comes despite Washington’s approval of a record US$11 billion arms package in December 2025.
The relationship between Washington and Taipei is also grounded in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which provides the legal framework for making defensive weapons and services available to Taiwan and identifies attempts to determine Taiwan’s future through force or coercion as a matter of serious concern to the United States. This framework remains an important foundation for continued security cooperation, even without formal diplomatic relations between the two sides.
For Taiwan, the central issue is the right of its people to determine their own future without military intimidation or political coercion. Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as its territory and has refused to rule out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, meanwhile, maintains its own democratically elected government, armed forces and political institutions. Its efforts to strengthen its self-defence capabilities are therefore closely connected to preserving its democratic system and maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.
The latest statements from Wellington Koo underline an important message: Taiwan’s security should not depend on which political party controls Washington. Sustained bipartisan engagement, timely defence cooperation and a clear commitment to peaceful resolution are essential to maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. As pressure from Beijing continues, Taiwan’s ability to defend itself and protect the democratic choices of its people remains a critical regional security concern.
