TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan unveiled plans Wednesday (Sept. 10) for a massive NT$570 billion (around US$19 billion) special national security resilience budget aimed at strengthening defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. Deputy ministers from key security agencies outlined the comprehensive spending package, with Ministry of the Interior's Ma Shi-yuan (馬士元), Defense Ministry's Yang Ji-rong (楊基榮), and Ocean Affairs Council's Chang Chung-lung (張忠龍) detailing infrastructure improvements. The budget represents Taiwan's most significant security investment in response to growing international pressures and regional security challenges.
The Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, plans to approve the special budget of NT$550 billion (around US$18.3 billion) Thursday (Sept. 11), with NT$20 billion (around US$667 million) reserved for contingencies. The Defense Ministry will receive NT$113.2 billion (around US$3.8 billion) for mobile backup systems and military-civilian communication frameworks countering China threats. The Ocean Affairs Council will obtain NT$29.5 billion (around US$983 million) for unmanned aerial vehicles and maritime patrol enhancements.
The Ministry of the Interior plans to invest NT$3.4 billion (around US$113 million) in counterterrorism initiatives using advanced technology to upgrade protective equipment. The comprehensive NT$570 billion (around US$19 billion) budget includes NT$236 billion (around US$7.9 billion) for cash distribution and NT$150 billion (around US$5 billion) for homeland security resilience projects. Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) confirmed the special budget will be implemented gradually over multiple years, with cash distribution completed this year. ◼