The Democratic sweep of the US midterm elections has transformed the political balance in Washington, but it has not transferred control of foreign policy from the White House to Congress.
When the new Congress convenes in January, Democrats will control both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Their victories reflected widespread frustration with the Iran war, rising living costs and US President Donald Trump’s leadership. Reuters reported that 70 per cent of voters wanted Congress to check presidential power.
The delayed US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan will provide an early test of how far that check can extend. The package reportedly includes hundreds of Patriot interceptors, nine National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and an Integrated Battle Command System.