Taiwan’s lawmakers are deadlocked over a special defense budget proposed by President Lai Ching-te. With China rapidly expanding its military capabilities, analysts say the risk of a wider conflict could push both sides toward a deal.
00:00A war of words in the opposition control legislature, as it blocks a record-high $40 billion U.S. special defense budget for the fourth time.
00:30I want to ask the people, who is going to be in the opposition control of the U.S.?
00:40It's Lai-Qing-de, who is going to be in the opposition control of the U.S.?
00:44President Lai-Qing-de proposed the budget in late November.
00:49It spans 2026 to 2033 and would beef up Taiwan's air defense, in particular through the T-Dome anti-missile system.
00:57A month later, the stalemates in the legislature continues, even after the U.S. announced an $11 billion U.S. dollar arm sales to Taiwan.
01:07The American Institute in Taiwan, Washington's de facto embassy, is closely watching the disputes.
01:13In a post on Tuesday, the AIT said its deputy director highlighted the U.S.'s support for Taiwan's defense in a meeting with the opposition Kuomintang Spice Chair on Monday.
01:23Experts say Washington's message is clear.
01:25All this comes as Washington warns of China's growing military capabilities.
01:54A recent Pentagon report to the U.S. Congress highlights Beijing's goal to be ready to win a war against Taiwan by 2027.
02:03To that end, China's military has been developing and testing its missiles, navy and ability to land troops.
02:11Taiwan is fighting a double battle inside its legislature over the defense budget and wants to protect its borders.
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