Taipei: A U.S. defense expert has stated that Washington's "America First Arms Transfer Strategy" is beneficial for Taiwan, but has cautioned that ongoing delays in passing defense budgets could jeopardize Taiwan's status as a priority partner.According to Focus Taiwan, Michael Hunzeker, an associate professor at George Mason University specializing in Taiwan defense issues, expressed in emailed comments that the new strategy represents a positive development for Taiwan. Hunzeker referred to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent signing of an executive order titled "Establishing an America First Arms Transfer Strategy," which signifies a policy shift prioritizing U.S. arms sales to partners with significant defense spending and strategic importance, moving away from the traditional first-come, first-served delivery method.Hunzeker highlighted the inefficiencies in U.S. arms sales that the policy aims to address, particularly when multiple allies purchase the same weapons systems. In such cases, defense con tractors have not always aligned production and delivery with Washington's priorities. He mentioned that the US$11 billion arms sales package for Taiwan, announced last December, was likely negotiated with this strategy in mind, suggesting that delivery could be expedited if Taiwan's Legislative Yuan approves a budget for it.Taiwan appears to meet the criteria for being a "priority" partner, given its significance in U.S. strategic planning and the Lai Ching-te administration's clear pledge to increase Taiwan's defense expenditure. President Lai has noted that Taiwan's defense spending is projected to reach 3.3 percent of GDP this year, with an aim to raise it to 5 percent by 2030.However, Hunzeker pointed out that both the U.S. executive branch and Congress are dissatisfied with the Legislative Yuan's blockage of Taiwan's regular and special defense budgets. He emphasized that the Trump administration focuses on defense burden sharing, urging allies and partners to contribute their fair share. Failure to approve budgets covering the arms sales might lead to Taiwan's exclusion from the priority list.U.S. lawmakers have recently expressed concerns over Taiwan's opposition parties obstructing a special defense bill worth NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.56 billion). Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has stated its support for reasonable arms procurement budgets and requested that the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) accurately communicate its stance to the U.S. Congress. The AIT acts as the representative of U.S. interests in Taiwan, given the absence of formal diplomatic ties.The KMT has indicated its willingness to review the defense budget with the Taiwan People's Party if the Democratic Progressive Party-led government includes pay raises for serving military personnel in the budget.