Taiwan’s defense ministry is preparing to request a record special budget of up to $33 billion to fortify the island’s defenses against the growing threat of a Chinese invasion, a senior lawmaker revealed. This ambitious plan, driven by escalating military pressure from Beijing, aims to significantly enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities over the next seven years.
Wang Ting-yu, a member of President Lai Ching-te’s Democratic Progressive Party and the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, told AFP that the proposed budget ranges between NT$800 billion and NT$1 trillion ($26 billion to $33 billion). The final amount remains under negotiation with the United States, Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, as discussions over potential arms sales continue.
“We aim to establish a comprehensive defense ecosystem to protect our nation,” Wang said, describing the initiative as a transformative upgrade to Taiwan’s military capabilities. The plan includes integrating air defense systems, acquiring advanced technology from international partners to detect small drones, rockets, and missiles for rapid response, and expanding ammunition production and storage for wartime readiness.
Taiwan faces a persistent threat of invasion from China, which claims the self-governing island as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it by force if necessary. “China is advancing its fifth-generation fighters and deploying stealth technology in drones and missiles,” Wang noted. “This demands more sophisticated sensor and radar systems—without detection, our firepower is ineffective.”
The announcement coincides with Taiwan’s efforts to negotiate a reduction in the 20 percent tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on the island’s exports. Taipei is keen to demonstrate its commitment to bolstering defenses, which currently pale in comparison to China’s military might. Last month, President Lai’s administration announced a 2026 defense budget of NT$949.5 billion, exceeding three percent of GDP, with plans to reach five percent by 2030.
When asked if the special budget could aid trade negotiations with the U.S., Wang affirmed, “Yes.” Taiwan’s defense ministry declined to comment on the proposal, which requires cabinet approval and passage by the opposition-controlled parliament to take effect.
Navigating Parliamentary Challenges
The Kuomintang (KMT), which holds the most parliamentary seats and leans toward closer ties with China, has previously collaborated with the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to cut the 2025 budget and freeze some defense allocations, hindering President Lai’s policy goals. Wang expressed hope that opposition parties would support the special budget, emphasizing its critical role in Taiwan’s survival.
KMT lawmaker Huang Jen, co-chair of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, indicated that the party’s caucus would thoroughly review the proposal if submitted. “We recognize the threat from China and pressure from the U.S., but with limited resources, the focus must be on spending effectively,” Huang told AFP.
Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, underscored the urgency of strengthening Taiwan’s air defenses. He highlighted China’s frequent patrols around the island with warships carrying approximately 60 vertical launch system cells each. “These could unleash over 500 cruise missiles in a surprise attack, reaching critical military facilities in just three minutes, posing a new missile crisis,” Su told AFP.
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