Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Tuesday he will not abandon plans to increase defense spending despite recent budget cuts by the nation's parliament [1].
The resolve to maintain military funding comes as Taiwan seeks to bolster its security posture against rising regional tensions. A failure to meet spending targets could leave the island vulnerable as it attempts to modernize its arsenal.
Speaking in New Taipei, Lai addressed the parliamentary reductions to the defense budget [1]. He said the administration remains committed to its long-term security goals. "I will not give up on defense spending," Lai said [2].
The president outlined a specific target to raise defense spending to about five% of GDP by 2030 [3]. This represents a significant increase from current spending levels, which sit at around three% [3].
Earlier projections indicated a 7.7% increase in defense spending for 2025, a figure that would exceed the country's overall GDP growth [4]. These investments are intended to strengthen the island's deterrence capabilities.
Lai also addressed the role of international partnerships in Taiwan's security strategy. He said the U.S. security commitment to Taiwan has not changed [5].
The tension between the executive branch and parliament over budget allocations highlights the domestic political struggle over how to balance fiscal responsibility with urgent national security needs. Lai said the government will continue to seek ways to fund the necessary military upgrades to ensure the island's stability.
“"I will not give up on defense spending."”
The clash between President Lai and the Taiwanese parliament reflects a broader struggle to align domestic fiscal policy with the strategic necessity of deterrence. By targeting a 5% GDP spend by 2030, Taiwan is attempting to shift its military posture to a more sustainable, high-readiness model to counter regional pressure.
