US EditionMAC defends NT$1.25tn defense spending plan
Taiwan aims to boost defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030 with $40 billion budget focused on air-defense and AI to counter China’s military buildup, officials said.
- On Wednesday, the Mainland Affairs Council defended President William Lai's plan to raise defense spending to NT$1.25 trillion over eight years, saying Taiwan must prepare for a worst-case scenario in the Taiwan Strait.
- The MAC noted that Beijing's military buildup accelerated, with China’s four major shipyards building 13 ships over four years, aiming for force by 2027.
- The plan allocates funding to upgrade air‑defense systems and develop AI‑based operational systems, and William Lai reaffirmed defense spending as share of GDP rising from over 2 percent to 5 percent by 2030.
- Domestic and Beijing critics argued former president Ma Ying‑jeou said Lai's remarks push Taiwan toward war and China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the DPP should improve lives, not buy weapons.
- Lai said Taiwan will enhance its military capabilities by 2027 to deter Chinese threats and build comprehensive deterrence by 2033, amid Japan Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's warning earlier this month.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Taiwan to Increase Defense Budget by $40 Billion
Dozens of people have died, and about 200 are still unaccounted for. That’s after a blaze engulfed residential high-rises in Hong Kong, leaving residents devastated. Peace through strength. Taiwan will increase its defense budget by an additional $40 billion to counter China’s growing threat in the region. “Taiwan, as the most important and most critical part of the first island chain, must demonstrate our determination and take on a greater res…
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday (November 26) that Taiwan will add NT$1.25 trillion (about US$40 billion) to its defense budget to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities and demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to defend itself, in the context of China’s continued increase in military and political pressure on Taiwan.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
