Taiwan Opposition Continues To Block US$40 Billion Defense Special Budget

Taiwan's opposition lawmakers have blocked a US$40 billion special defense budget from moving forward for a second time.

Transcript

00:00Taiwan's opposition lawmakers have again blocked a US$40 billion special defense budget from

00:05receiving a hearing, saying more discussion is needed.

00:09The bill was proposed last month by President Lai Ching-de and would fund weapons procurement

00:14and joint development programs with the US from 2026 to 2033.

00:19It comes as Taipei faces pressure from Washington to increase its defense spending.

00:23In response, Lai says allowing the budget to be debated would help the public better

00:27understand it and that certain sections could be revised or removed based on public opinion.