Taiwan unveils USD40bil defence boost amid China strain

AWANI

Taiwan has announced a USD40bil supplementary defence budget to reinforce deterrence against China, expanding investment in missiles, drones and air defences.

Transcript

00:00Taiwan has approved a supplementary defense budget of US$40 billion,

00:05signaling a major step-up in its efforts to counter China's growing military pressure.

00:11President Lai Ching-te says the new funding shows Taiwan's resolve to strengthen its defenses,

00:17aligning with Washington's calls for increased military spending.

00:20Lai previously set a target of raising defense expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2030.

00:30Currently at 3.32% of GDP, next year's defense spending crosses a threshold of 3% for the first time since 2009.

00:40He stressed that national security allowed no concessions,

00:43and that sovereignty, freedom and democracy remain central to Taiwan's identity.

00:48Defense Minister Wellington Kuh said the budget will run from 2026 to 2033

00:53and will fund missiles, drones as well as the new T-Dome air defense system.

00:59Lai's announcement comes amid renewed friction between China and Japan,

01:03after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that any Chinese attack on Taiwan

01:08could trigger Japanese military action.

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