President Lai Ching-te anticipated that once the new legislative session began in February, legislators of all parties would review and pass the special defense budget proposed by the Executive Yuan in 2025 to safeguard regional peace and advance prosperity.
Lai made the remarks at a media conference Feb. 11 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City to underscore the significance of the eight-year budget, the PO said.
The president noted that the NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.6 billion) budget contributed to strengthening the ROC (Taiwan) Armed Forces asymmetric defense capabilities. He added that faced with escalating military threats from China, many countries in the region have increased defense spending, citing Japan’s US$58 billion and South Korea’s US$47.7 billion for fiscal year 2026.
Lai went on to emphasize that a defense budget is not provocation, but a demonstration of determination to defend the nation and contribute to global security, further, it is supported by the international community, including the U.S. The president added that as military commander, he has a responsibility and obligation to explain what risks the budget delay could pose.
Lai said that proposed funding will be used to uphold sovereignty and optimize defense personnel salaries and conditions. He added that the armed forces safeguard national stability and therefore all political parties have a responsibility to support defense. (POC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
Lai made the remarks at a media conference Feb. 11 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City to underscore the significance of the eight-year budget, the PO said.
The president noted that the NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.6 billion) budget contributed to strengthening the ROC (Taiwan) Armed Forces asymmetric defense capabilities. He added that faced with escalating military threats from China, many countries in the region have increased defense spending, citing Japan’s US$58 billion and South Korea’s US$47.7 billion for fiscal year 2026.
Lai went on to emphasize that a defense budget is not provocation, but a demonstration of determination to defend the nation and contribute to global security, further, it is supported by the international community, including the U.S. The president added that as military commander, he has a responsibility and obligation to explain what risks the budget delay could pose.
Lai said that proposed funding will be used to uphold sovereignty and optimize defense personnel salaries and conditions. He added that the armed forces safeguard national stability and therefore all political parties have a responsibility to support defense. (POC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News