Taiwan Seeks Record \$33 Billion Defence Budget Amid Rising China Threat
Taiwan’s defence ministry is preparing to request up to \$33 billion in special funding to significantly upgrade the island’s military capabilities in response to the growing threat of a potential Chinese attack, a senior lawmaker has revealed.
Wang Ting-yu, a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and a key figure on the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee, told AFP that the proposed special budget would range between NT\$800 billion and NT\$1 trillion (approximately \$26–33 billion) over a seven-year period.
The final figure is still under negotiation, particularly as Taiwan continues discussions with the United States regarding future arms deals that would be covered by the budget.
“We want to build a complete defence ecology to defend our country,” Wang said, describing the initiative as a “huge” step in strengthening Taiwan’s self-defence capacity.
Key elements of the plan include:
* Integration of Taiwan’s air defence systems
* Acquisition of advanced technologies from foreign partners to detect drones, missiles, and rockets
* Enhancements in rapid-response capabilities
* Expansion of domestic ammunition production and storage
The proposal comes as Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from China, which claims the democratic island as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to take control.
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