Taiwan unveils plans for “T-Dome,” a new multi-layered air defence system to counter rising threats from China. President Lai Ching-te says a special military budget will also be proposed by year’s end.
00:00Taiwan is set to build a new multi-layered air defense system called T-Dome to bolster its defenses against enemy threats amid increased military and political pressure from China.
00:12In his National Day Address, President Lai Ching-te says defense spending will increase with a special military budget to be proposed by year's end.
00:21While Lai gave no details of the T-Dome, sources told Reuters it could resemble Israel's Iron Dome, capable of intercepting a range of short-range weapons under any weather conditions.
00:37Beijing responded by warning Taiwan that pursuing independence through force would only push it closer to conflict.
00:44Lai added that Taiwan will increase its defense spending to more than 3 percent of its GDP next year and up to 5 percent by 2030.
00:54Defense has become a polarizing subject in Taiwan, which remains divided about how the government should respond to the Chinese threat.
01:03Lai's opponents accused him of using the fear of a Chinese invasion to shore up his support and urge more diplomacy with Beijing.
01:11Taiwan's defense ministry had recently warned that China is enhancing its ability to attack the island and could turn its regular military drills near Taiwan into a surprise attack at any time.
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