Taiwan is set to increase its defense spending by 16% next year, exceeding $31 billion for the first time. President Lai Ching-te confirmed the proposed defense budget, stating that it demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its self-defense capabilities.
Defense Spending Increase
The increased defense spending comes as China has ramped up military and political pressure on Taiwan, which China views as its own territory. Taiwan has made military modernization a key policy platform and has pledged to spend more on its defenses, including developing made-in-Taiwan submarines.
The announcement also comes as the US has pressured Taiwan to spend more on its own defense, mirroring US pressure on Europe. President Lai has enthusiastically embraced this pressure, stating that investing in defense is investing in peace.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
