Taiwan president says record defence spending is investment in peace
President Lai Ching-te said the plan would lift defence spending 16% as Taiwan faces rising military pressure from China.
- On Monday, August 17, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced that proposed 2027 defense spending will rise by 16 per cent, reaching NT$1.1225 trillion for the first time.
- Describing the increase as an "investment in peace," Lai frames the spending hike as strengthening self-defense amid China's escalating military pressure and territorial claims over the island.
- Taiwan's opposition-dominated Parliament passed the 2026 budget last Friday, August 14, following record delays; Lai called on lawmakers to review spending on principles of "professionalism, reasonableness, and proportionality."
- The cabinet will formally unveil the 2027 budget on Thursday, August 20, with defense spending projected to account for more than 3 per cent of GDP.
- Modernization efforts continue amid pressure from Washington to increase security spending, aiming to build a "robust defence force" to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait.
38 Articles
38 Articles
The island defends itself against China, which threatens to use force to seize the territory.
Drones, anti-aircraft shields, electronic warfare... Taiwan relies on asymmetrical defense to deter Beijing. President Lai brings the 2027 budget to an unprecedented level, with the ambition to reach 5% of GDP...
Taiwan to propose record $35.2 billion defence budget for 2027 amid China tensions
Taiwan will propose a record defence budget of NT$1.1225 trillion ($35.2 billion) for 2027, as President Lai Ching-te seeks to strengthen the island’s military amid growing tensions with China.
Sueddeutsche Zeitung
Given the growing pressure from China, Taiwan wants to spend as much on its defence in 2027 as never before. More than three percent of its economic output is planned - but Parliament still has to agree.
Taiwan wants to invest significantly more money in its defence against China. President Lai Ching-te calls spending an investment in peace. Parliament still has to agree.
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