TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) unveiled a special US$40 billion (around NT$1.25 trillion) defense budget Wednesday (Nov. 26), emphasizing Taiwan initiated the plan without U.S. pressure to protect its democratic way of life. Lai stressed national security, not external influence, drove the unprecedented spending proposal amid escalating Chinese military threats.
Lai made the announcement following the "Defend Democratic Taiwan National Security Action Plan" (守護民主台灣國安行動方案) meeting, highlighting China's annexation threat as the driving force. The president emphasized the specialized budget would enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities and clarified the spending remains unrelated to tariff negotiations. He described the proposal as Taiwan's commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.
Lai urged opposition parties to support the defense budget, distinguishing it from the central government's annual budget covering various national projects. He called for swift committee review and oversight from the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, to facilitate smooth implementation. The president emphasized the specialized nature of defense spending requires separate legislative consideration.
Lai described the defense budget as crucial investment for peace and Taiwan's security amid Chinese threats, expressing hope for opposition support. The president noted the budget would not push defense spending to 5% of GDP but aims for over 3% next year. He stressed strength remains necessary for cross-strait reconciliation, warning that without it, reconciliation could lead to surrender. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.3)