Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has called for a significant increase in the country’s defense budget, citing escalating military pressure and threats from China.
The move comes as Beijing continues to ramp up military drills and incursions near Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province.
Tsai emphasized the importance of strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities to ensure national security and maintain regional stability.
The proposed budget hike aims to invest in advanced weaponry, cybersecurity measures, and enhanced training for Taiwan’s armed forces. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the island’s sovereignty against growing external challenges.
Along with the latest equipment — much of it from the United States, the military is seeking funds to retain more service people with higher pay and to lengthen compulsory national service from four months to one year.
In a speech Thursday to the American Chamber of Commerce, Lai said his administration is determined to “ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3% of the GDP. At the same time, we will continue to reform national defense.”
Lai’s comments were the latest reassurance to U.S. and domestic critics who say Taiwan is not spending enough on its own defense. The self-governing island, which relies on the U.S. for much of its cutting-edge weaponry, currently spends about 2.45% of its gross domestic product on its military.
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