President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has invited the heads of Taiwan’s five government branches to a tea gathering after the Lunar New Year aimed at improving communication as a long-stalled defense spending bill continues to face a legislative deadlock.

The eight-year defense special budget totaling NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) has been stuck in the Legislature since being proposed by the Cabinet, drawing concern from the United States.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) told reporters on Saturday that President Lai may invite the five branch heads to meet during the Lunar New Year holiday. Han said he would formally suggest to the president that the gathering be used to explore ways to ease partisan tensions.

Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said Sunday night that Lai sincerely hopes the five branches can strengthen communication and work together to address public concerns. She confirmed that invitations have been extended for a tea gathering after the Lunar New Year holiday but said scheduling would depend on the officials’ availability.

Kuo said Taiwan is currently facing multiple domestic and international challenges and that the country is united despite political parties holding differing positions. She said the Presidential Office hopes the gathering can help turn differences into consensus and ensure smoother constitutional governance.