TAIPEI — Four U.S. senators arrived in Taipei on Monday to support Taiwan's government efforts to pass a $40 billion special defense budget that is being stalled in the opposition-controlled parliament. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Jacky Rosen, John Curtis and Thom Tillis met with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at the start of a two-day trip focused on bolstering Taiwan-U.S. informal ties.

The special defense budget includes plans for Taiwan to invest in building a missile defense system called the "T-dome," integrating artificial intelligence into national defense and developing Taiwan's indigenous defense industry over eight years. Opposition parties in Taiwan's parliament have proposed smaller defense budgets.

"I want to reassure you and all of our friends in the United States that my government's resolve and commitment to enhancing our self-defense capabilities, strengthening Taiwan-U.S. cooperation and ensuring national security remain unwavering," Lai said during the meeting.

The senators' Asia trip is intended to bolster U.S. alliances and counter China's influence in the region. The trip takes place ahead of a summit planned in May between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where massive U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are expected to be discussed.

Beijing has refused to speak to Lai and has labeled him a separatist who wants to turn Taiwan into a "powder keg." China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own breakaway province, to be retaken by force if necessary, and prohibits all its diplomatic partners from maintaining formal ties with Taipei.

"China's position on the Taiwan-related issue is consistent and clear," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. "Handle the Taiwan question prudently and properly, stop all forms of official exchanges with Taiwan, and stop sending any wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces."

The U.S., while not recognizing Taiwan as a country, is the island's strongest informal backer and arms provider. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced on Saturday that the delegation would visit Taiwan, Japan and South Korea as part of the alliance-building trip. Shaheen is from New Hampshire and serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, while Rosen represents Nevada, Curtis represents Utah, and Tillis represents North Carolina.