US EditionTaiwan Rejects Opposition Defense Plan as China Vows Action
Taiwan’s opposition proposes NT$380 billion budget focusing on US arms with stricter oversight, covering eight weapons systems worth US$11.1 billion, amid US pressure and China’s military threats.
- On March 6, Defence Minister Wellington Koo rebuffed the Kuomintang caucus' special defense budget, warning it would derail five U.S. arms procurements and saying `This, in effect, shuts out those five initiatives`.
- Facing U.S. pressure, the KMT caucus unveiled a NT$350 billion–NT$380 billion cap to fund eight U.S. weapons systems, while the Cabinet proposed an NT$1.25 trillion programme from 2026–2033.
- Taiwan's domestic plan calls for US$11.1 billion in High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Javelin missiles, Altius-700M and Altius-600 drones, M109A7 Paladin howitzers, C5ISR systems, plus roughly 200,000 reconnaissance and attack drones and more than 1,000 uncrewed surface vessels.
- The Taiwan legislature's rejection of the defense plan risks straining international ties, as U.S. lawmakers recently urged approval and warned of potential delays, Koo warned that the timeline and scope could make key procurements unworkable.
- The KMT bill requires completion by Dec. 31, 2028, with five of eight U.S. systems, but Koo warned this deadline is impossible to meet, and the NT$350 billion figure shifted to NT$380 billion.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Taiwan Must Pass Defense Budget
For years, the U.S. has been urging Taiwan to increase defense spending amid mounting threats from an increasingly capable China hell-bent on “unification.” Nevertheless, this month Taiwanese legislators moved to block a critical increase in the defense budget. Their obstinacy not only undermines Taiwan’s own security but also risks damaging Taiwan-U.S. relations.
Taiwan defence minister rejects opposition's cut‑price budget and U.S. arms deadline
Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo on Friday rebuffed the main opposition party, which had proposed a defence budget roughly one-third of the amount sought by the government and set a deadline for U.S. arms purchases that he said was impossible.
The Kuomintang, Taiwan's main opposition party, supports funding of more than $11 billion for the purchase of US weapons.
Opposition supports US$11bil for arms, with reservations
Taipeng's main opposition party said it will back US$11bil (RM43.3bil) in special funding for US weapons purchases and left the door open to more acquisitions, but insisted it will not write a "blank cheque" for the government.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
