00:00Taiwan's proposed US$40 billion defense spending plan stalls amid a deepening political deadlock,
00:06with opposition lawmakers blocking the package while demanding concessions and closer scrutiny.
00:12Since December, the parliament has rejected the proposal 10 times.
00:18President Lai Ching-te has pledged to lift defense spending above 3% of gross domestic product,
00:24but his Democratic Progressive Party lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections
00:29leaving the government dependent on opposition support.
00:33The main opposition parties, the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party, say they back stronger national defense.
00:40However, they have criticized delays in US armed deliveries, including F-16V fighter jets,
00:46and argue the spending plan lacks sufficient detail.
00:49Opposition lawmakers are now pushing for scaled-down alternatives and clearer oversight mechanisms.
00:55Tensions have been further inflamed by Lai's refusal to appear before parliament to defend the proposal in person.
01:02The impasse comes as Taiwan faces growing pressure from the United States to strengthen its defenses against China,
01:09which claims the island as its territory and has intensified military activity in nearby waters and airspace.
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