Taiwan’s defence ministry is seeking a record $33 billion in special funding to upgrade the island’s defences against a potential Chinese attack. According to Wang Ting-yu, a senior lawmaker and member of President Lai Ching-te’s Democratic Progressive Party, the ministry is working on a special budget of between NT$800 billion and NT$1 trillion ($26 billion and $33 billion) over seven years. The funding will be used to integrate Taiwan’s air defence systems, acquire advanced technology to detect small drones, rockets, and missiles, and increase the island’s capacity to produce and store ammunition for wartime.
The plans are part of a “huge” upgrade to Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities, aimed at building a complete defence ecology to defend the country. Taiwan has long lived under the constant threat of invasion by China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has threatened to seize it by force. The proposed funding is a significant increase in Taiwan’s defence spending, reflecting the island’s growing concerns about its security.
The final amount of the special budget has not been finalized, as Taiwan is currently negotiating with the United States over potential arms sales that would be included in the funding. Wang Ting-yu stated that the negotiations are ongoing, and the ministry is working to ensure that the funding is used effectively to enhance Taiwan’s defence capabilities.
The proposed upgrade to Taiwan’s defences is significant, given the island’s strategic location and the ongoing tensions with China. Taiwan’s defence ministry has been working to strengthen its military capabilities in recent years, including the development of indigenous defense systems and the acquisition of advanced weaponry from overseas partners.
The special funding, if approved, will be a major boost to Taiwan’s defence capabilities, enabling the island to better respond to potential security threats. As tensions between Taiwan and China continue to simmer, the proposed funding is seen as a critical step in enhancing the island’s defence ecology and ensuring its national security. With the negotiations with the United States ongoing, Taiwan’s defence ministry is poised to make significant strides in upgrading its defence capabilities, bolstering its ability to defend against potential attacks.