Taiwan’s cabinet is set to propose a 16 percent increase in defense spending for the year 2027, surpassing $1.1 trillion in Taiwanese currency for the first time, as reported by the official Central News Agency on Sunday. This move comes as China has been escalating military and political pressure on Taiwan in recent years, a claim strongly denied by Taipei. The United States has also been urging Taiwan to boost its defense spending, echoing similar calls to European nations.
The proposed budget, to be revealed on August 20, will allocate funds for the coast guard, veterans, special projects, and will once again exceed three percent of the gross domestic product, according to the Central News Agency. Detailed figures are pending final approval at the cabinet meeting.
Taiwan’s government has made military modernization a top priority, vowing to enhance defense capabilities amidst growing threats from China. China regularly conducts military exercises near Taiwan, including recent war games in late December, while significantly modernizing its armed forces with advanced weaponry.
In March, China announced a seven percent increase in defense spending for the current year, totaling 1.91 trillion yuan. Despite China’s refusal to engage in dialogue with Taiwanese President Lai, citing him as a “separatist,” Lai maintains that Taiwan’s people should determine their own future.
Taiwan is currently conducting its annual Han Kuang military exercises, with President Lai emphasizing the importance of these drills in building military confidence. Additionally, a nuclear, biological, and chemical decontamination drill was carried out on the east coast, testing the military’s ability to respond swiftly to potential threats.
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