Taiwan’s defense spending faces delays and opposition in parliament
Taipei (Reuters) – Taiwan is seeking a one-fifth increase in defense spending, but approval is currently blocked in parliament due to opposition concerns of a “blank check.” The threat from China, which asserts its sovereignty over Taiwan, is growing according to Taiwan.
Taiwan plans to incorporate Middle East war scenarios into its military exercises. A delay in budget approval this year jeopardizes 78 billion Taiwan dollars ($2.44 billion) for weapon purchases, maintenance, and training, a defense ministry official said on Thursday.
Defense spending is expected to rise by 22.9% to 949.5 billion Taiwan dollars by 2026, reaching over 3% of GDP for the first time since 2009. The government cited the need to deter China’s increased military pressure as a reason for the budget increase, with support from the United States.
However, the opposition-dominated parliament has blocked the budget, including an additional $4 billion proposal, insisting on proper checks and balances. This delay means the ministry will be unable to execute 21% of this year’s budget on time, affecting $78 billion of expenses, including purchases of HIMARS and Javelin missiles.
The delay will also impact training programs such as Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets. Taiwan will conduct its annual Han Kuang military exercises in April, incorporating recent international military operations as references.
The exercise sections include early warning and drone countermeasures, reflecting Taiwan’s ongoing defense preparations against potential Chinese aggression. China maintains its claim over Taiwan, but the democratically-elected government asserts Taiwan’s right to self-determination.
(1 USD = 31.9580 Taiwan dollars)
