TAIPEI, Taiwan — In response to shifting global dynamics and rising pressures from adversaries, Taiwan is looking to increase its military budget. Defense Minister Wellington Koo highlighted the island’s need to adapt to the elevation in threats, particularly concerning China, which has persistently asserted claims over Taiwan as its own.
Although specific figures were not disclosed, Koo indicated that President William Lai Ching-te is collaborating closely with defense officials to address these security challenges. This approach involves boosting the defense budget relative to the nation’s GDP, acknowledging the potential for increased aggression from China, which has notoriously pledged to unify Taiwan with the mainland, even by force if necessary. Taiwan’s current defense spending is about 2.45% of its GDP.
In tandem with bolstered financial commitments, Taiwan seeks to enhance its cooperative military relations, particularly with the United States and other allied nations. Koo underlined the importance of multilateral military exchanges to support regional peace and stability as part of Taiwan’s broader security strategy.
The ongoing strategic tension from China looms large for Taiwan, with frequent incursions by Chinese ships and aircraft into nearby areas. Meanwhile, China is preparing to announce its defense budget, which could signal further militaristic posturing in the region. During a recent meeting, Chinese official Wang Huning emphasized China’s intent to drive progress in cross-strait relations and move toward “reunification.”
The Taiwanese government condemned recent Chinese military activities, particularly a series of shooting drills Beijing outlined near Taiwan’s southwestern coast. Such exercises have heightened regional concern and have necessitated Taiwan’s pursuit of modern military equipment and increased workforce retention, aiming to extend mandatory service from four months to a year.
The U.S. has taken a direct interest in Taiwan’s defense capacity, with calls from American leadership for Taiwan to significantly elevate its defense spending, potentially reaching a threshold far surpassing that of many allied nations. These demands reflect the critical role Taiwan plays in regional security dynamics and the strategic considerations of the U.S. in maintaining a balance of power in Asia.
China’s maneuvers have also unsettled neighboring countries, including those in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific region. Australia and New Zealand expressed their concerns over China’s recent naval exercises, which were conducted without adequate prior notice, prompting quick adjustments in flight routes and underscoring the broader ripple effects of Chinese military activities.
