In a bid to increase defense spending by about a fifth, Taiwan’s administration is facing a block in parliament approval as opposition calls it a “blank cheque.” Taiwan views China’s sovereignty assertion as a growing threat and plans to integrate Middle East war scenarios into its military drills.
The delay in Taiwan’s budget approval this year puts at risk NT$78 billion (US$2.44 billion) for arms purchases, maintenance, and training, according to a defense ministry official. Defense spending is expected to rise to NT$949.5 billion by 2026, marking the first time it surpasses 3% of GDP since 2009.
While the US supports the budget increase to deter China’s military pressure, the opposition-led parliament blocked both the budget and an additional NT$40 billion military spending proposal, emphasizing a need to avoid blank checks. This delay affects 21% of this year’s budget, impacting purchases like the HIMARS and Javelin missiles.
Taiwan is set to conduct the “tabletop” phase of its annual Han Kuang military exercises from April 11-24, following with live exercises likely in July. The drills will include recent international military operations as references. Taiwan remains steadfast against China’s sovereignty claims, relying on its own people to decide its future amid escalating tensions.
(1 USD = 31.9580 Taiwanese dollars)
