November 26, 2025 | 04:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te stated that his government will propose an additional defense budget of $40 billion in the coming years. The plan was conveyed through an opinion he wrote in The Washington Post on Tuesday, November 25.
According to a CNA report, Lai mentioned that the additional spending will fund the purchase of new armaments from the United States and significantly enhance Taiwan's capabilities. He emphasized, "In doing so, we aim to bolster deterrence by inserting greater costs and uncertainties into Beijing's decision-making on the use of force."
Taiwan has increased its defense budget over the past decade amid ongoing military pressure from China. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump also urged Taipei to do more to bolster its defense.
Security Agenda and Regional Situation
As reported by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Lai is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday morning after a high-level security meeting. Defense Minister Wellington Koo will give a presentation at the press conference. China continues to assert Taiwan as its territory and does not rule out the use of force for annexation.
This announcement comes amid diplomatic disputes in recent weeks between Tokyo and Beijing, following statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinting at the possibility of Japanese military intervention if Taiwan is attacked.
U.S. Encouragement and Next Year's Budget
The plan for additional spending follows the United States' approval earlier this month of a $330 million package of aircraft spare parts and other components, marking the first military sale to Taiwan since Trump returned to the White House. Taiwan's government has proposed a defense budget of NT$949.5 billion (US$30 billion) for next year, or 3.32 percent of the GDP, exceeding the 3 percent threshold for the first time since 2009, according to government data reported by Taipei Times.
In his opinion, Lai mentioned that the development of the T-Dome layered air defense system will be expedited. He stated that the system will "bring Taiwan closer to the vision of being an unconquerable region, protected by innovation and technology." Lai reiterated his willingness to open a dialogue with China. He wrote that, in his opinion, Taiwan will continue to seek opportunities for cross-strait dialogue.
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