Taiwan's defense chief is downplaying worries that the Democrats' big midterm win could slow US arms sales to Taiwan, calling it good news for Taiwan's defense plans.

• Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung says US support for Taiwan's defense has always had backing from both parties, not just one.
• Democrats just took control of both chambers of Congress after a heavy defeat for Trump's Republicans, raising questions about future Taiwan policy.
• The defense ministry says it will keep talking with US lawmakers and stay in close contact with the US defense department to make sure arms sales stay on track.
• The comments came during budget review hearings in Taiwan's legislature.

Outlook: Taiwan expects arms sales to continue as planned, betting that cross-party support in Washington will outweigh the shift in congressional control.