Taiwan's government on Thursday proposed an 18% rise in defense spending for next year, including for drones and missiles, taking it above T$1 trillion ($31.41 billion) for the first time as Taipei
Taiwan's government on Thursday proposed an 18% rise in defense spending for next year, including for drones and missiles, taking it above T$1 trillion ($31.41 billion) for the first time as Taipei bolsters its military to ward off China.
The budget details come as Beijing, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past few years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.
Taiwan also faces calls from Washington to spend more on its own defense, mirroring U.S. pressure on Europe, something President Lai Ching-te has enthusiastically embraced.
The government said in a statement following a cabinet meeting to approve the 2027 general budget that defense spending in 2027 would reach T$1.1225 trillion, exceeding 3% of gross domestic product.
Hsieh Chi-hsien, who heads the defense ministry's comptroller bureau, told reporters that the ministry's plans include supplementary spending on drones and missiles, for which the government had previously been unable to get parliamentary approval.
MILITARY MODERNISATION KEY POLICY PLATFORM
Lai faces a challenge from Taiwan's opposition-dominated parliament, which only passed this year's budget late last Friday after months of delays.
The two main opposition parties say they will not write
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
