00:00All eyes are on the stalled government budget proposal and what it could mean for Taiwan's defense.
00:052.4 billion US dollars, roughly 20% of the overall defense budget, has yet to be approved.
00:10And officials, eyeing the growing threat from China, are sounding the alarm.
00:30Questions about the general budget come while a separate defense spending plan stalls in the legislature.
00:35That plan, introduced in November by President Lai Ching-de, could see Taiwan spend 40 billion US dollars on overhauling its defenses.
00:43On Monday, Defense Minister Wellington Koo met lawmakers to explain its importance.
00:47Then on Thursday, officials responded to criticism about the need for both a special budget and a general budget.
01:00In the US, concern over Taiwan's willingness to spend on its own defense is growing, with key officials urging lawmakers here to approve the funds.
01:12However, freedom is not free.
01:15America can only help our friends as much as they help themselves.
01:18Taiwan's defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, including through a 1.25 trillion new Taiwan dollar special budget, is so critical.
01:27This comes as the US House Appropriations Committee has approved more than 1 billion US dollars in Taiwan-related defense spending,
01:35and lawmakers have proposed new legislation, known as the Porcupine Act, to fast-track arms sales.
01:40With the legislative deadlock showing no signs of easing, the opposition is inviting government officials to debate the matter publicly.
01:47Andy Shue and Larry Siano for Taiwan Plus.
01:49Let's open this up.
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01:50Let's dive in our Honors.
01:50Let's dive in from high restrictions.
01:51Let's dive in from high restrictions.
01:52Let'sŅŅŅ start in FrenchæččŖways.
01:53Let's dive in from high restrictions.
01:54Let's dive in from windy to high
02:16This is a process of energy to Haiti.
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