Taiwan’s Defense Budget To Hit $19.74bn

In a bid to enhance defence and strengthen ties with democratic allies, Taiwan’s has raised its defense budget projected to hit a record T$647 billion ($19.74 billion) next year’s announced.

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.