TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) in Taiwan remarked on Tuesday (Nov. 19) that only France currently includes military pensions in its defense budget amid discussions on adjusting Taiwan's defense budget allocation. China Times (中國時報) reported on Monday (Nov. 18) that following Donald Trump's election as U.S. president, Washington might request Taiwan to increase its defense budget as a percentage of GDP.
A retired general suggested incorporating lifetime pensions for military personnel, currently managed by the Veterans Affairs Council (退輔會), into the defense budget. He noted that major countries also categorize military retirement payments as part of their defense spending. The ministry clarified that though France is the only one among developed countries to do so, it plans to thoroughly evaluate whether Taiwan should adopt a similar approach, considering various opinions from different sectors.
The MND remarked that Taiwan's defense budget-to-GDP ratio is based on the definition of defense expenditure by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and U.S. defense budgeting practices. The ministry added that it respects various opinions on whether Taiwan's military pensions should be included in the defense budget and will conduct a comprehensive analysis.
As Taiwan contemplates these potential changes, the implications for its defense strategy and international relations could be significant.