Any further delay in Taiwan’s military spending constitutes a ‘concession’ towards China, declared the US State Department, while the Taipei Defense Ministry detailed the impact of projects excluded from an envelope voted by a Parliament under the control of the opposition.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te had requested $40 billion in additional defense spending to better deter China, which considers the island with a democratic government as its own territory and has intensified its military pressure.
However, after repeated postponements by the opposition parties, which have a majority in seats, Parliament approved on Friday only two thirds of the requested funds, allocated exclusively to American armament to the detriment of other projects such as the national development of drones and missiles.
The opposition said that although it supports the defense effort, it would not sign ‘blank checks’, deeming the proposals sometimes vague and likely to encourage corruption.
A State Department spokesperson said the United States supports Taiwan’s acquisition of critical defense capabilities ‘proportionate to the threat the island faces’ and consistent with the ongoing commitment of various US administrations.
‘While we are encouraged by the passage of this special defense budget after counterproductive blockages, the United States notes that any further delay in funding the proposed remaining capabilities constitutes a concession to the Chinese Communist Party,’ the spokesperson added.
The United States is Taiwan’s main international supporter and arms supplier, despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, and has strongly supported increased military spending. Beijing has, for its part, repeatedly demanded an end to arms sales.
In a statement released late Friday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the approved spending completely excludes certain commercial purchases, which is highly likely to create ‘capability gaps’.
‘Our country faces a severe and constantly escalating threat environment,’ he said.
One of the projects not selected is the Chiang Kung anti-ballistic missile, or ‘Strong Bow’, supposed to constitute the backbone of the new Taiwanese air defense system ‘T-Dome’, added the ministry.
‘Following its withdrawal from the special budget, if it cannot be acquired in due time, the combat effectiveness of the air defense will be seriously compromised,’ he said.
The lack of approval for drone systems, including naval attack drones, will significantly delay asymmetric warfare capabilities and affect anticipated economic growth as well as employment opportunities for domestic industry, according to the ministry.
Lai said that while he welcomed the approved funding to continue the purchase of equipment such as Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, it was only a first step.
‘Any breach will affect the integrity of the global defense system. Any delay will increase the security risks shared by the Taiwanese people,’ he posted on Facebook.
