Taiwan’s defense budget is projected to hit a record T$647 billion ($19.74 billion) next year as the island aims to enhance its defensive self-reliance and strengthen ties with democratic allies, according to President Lai Ching-te’s announcement on Tuesday.
China, which considers Taiwan, an island with a democratic government, as its own territory, has intensified its military and political pressure in recent years to assert these claims, which Taipei firmly rejects.
“We are committed to enhancing our self-defence capabilities and increasing cooperation with democratic partners to maintain peace and prosperity,” Lai said in a statement from the Presidential Office.
Since Lai took office in May, he has faced ongoing personal attacks from China, which has labelled him a “separatist.” Beijing conducted military exercises around Taiwan shortly after Lai’s inauguration.
The statement did not include a comparison to the current year’s defense budget. Taiwan’s government had previously proposed a defense budget of T$606.8 billion for 2024.
NANCY MBAMALU
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