Taiwan’s leader, William Lai Ching-te, has called on the public for support as the island faces a significant hurdle with its special military budget, warning that continued delays could jeopardize weapon deliveries and diminish Taiwan’s standing on the United States’ arms supply priority list. This special budget, totaling NT$1.25 trillion (approximately US$40 billion), has faced repeated blockades from opposition parties, even as the United States has intensified its calls for Taiwan to demonstrate a stronger commitment to its own defense amid rising tensions with China.
Experts caution that if these delays persist, Taiwan’s defense credibility may be undermined in the eyes of Washington and other regional powers, particularly as the U.S. reassesses its security strategies in light of growing competition with Beijing. In his statements this week, Lai emphasized that increasing defense expenditures is “not an act of provocation,” but rather a “necessary step to safeguard security and maintain regional stability.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, Lai urged lawmakers across party lines to engage in a meaningful review of the special budget when the legislature reconvenes on February 24 after the Lunar New Year holiday. His plea reflects an urgent need for bipartisan support to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities and ensure its security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. This appeal represents a pivotal moment for Taiwan as it navigates complex international relations and seeks to bolster its national defense strategy.