TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) warned of Beijing's military ambitions during a press conference on national security action plans at the Presidential Office on Thursday (Nov. 26). He revealed that Beijing aims to complete military preparations for a potential forceful unification with Taiwan by 2027. In response, Taiwan will invest a special budget of NT$1.25 trillion to strengthen its defense autonomy.
The Executive Yuan approved a draft of the "Special Act for Strengthening Defense Resilience and Asymmetric Capabilities Procurement Plan" on Nov. 27. This plan, spanning from 2026 to 2033, sets a budget cap of NT$1.25 trillion and now awaits legislative review. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) emphasized the need for unity, urging all parties to support the act by saying, "A nation is necessary for a home or party, so set aside differences and think of our nation and homes".
Minister of National Defense Li-Hsiung Koo (顧立雄) outlined key defense enhancements, including precision artillery and long-range precision strike missiles, during a Nov. 26 briefing. He confirmed preliminary coordination with the U.S., which has provided procurement details and timelines. Department of Strategic Planning Director Huang Wen-chi (黃文啟) highlighted Taiwan's strategic location within the first island chain and stressed the urgency of acquiring weapons that meet defense needs.
Huang stated that the execution timeline for the special budget runs from 2026 to 2033, with the aim of ensuring stable resource concentration and accelerating the acquisition of necessary capabilities. As Taiwan braces for potential threats, the nation looks to fortify its defenses with both domestic and international support.