TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday (Dec. 15) defended her administration's financial policies against opposition criticism, claiming she is the "best debt-repaying president" and highlighting the repayment of over NT＄800 billion in national debt.
Speaking at an election event in Taichung City's Fengyuan District, Tsai emphasized significant increases in national spending during her tenure, including a rise in the national defense budget to NT＄600 billion and an increase in the elderly care budget from NT＄5 billion to NT＄80 billion, potentially reaching NT＄100 billion next year.
Additionally, she discussed the expansion of the national child-rearing policy for children aged 0 to 6, with the budget set to reach NT＄120 billion next year. Tsai also stressed investments and reforms in national defense, underscoring efforts to enhance military capabilities through improved training and equipment.
Proudly, Tsai mentioned the progress in the indigenous defense aircraft program, with 22 locally manufactured planes completed and projections to exceed 60. She also noted the construction of a prototype submarine, a significant step in bolstering the island's defensive capabilities, fulfilling a long-held wish of previous presidents.