Taiwan Plans Raising Defense Budget
(MENAFN) Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te announced on Tuesday that the island’s defense budget will surpass 3% of its $815 billion gross domestic product, aiming to reinforce its ability to defend itself.
This strategic move comes amid growing geopolitical instability and heightened security concerns in the region.
Speaking at the 9th Ketagalan Forum, a platform dedicated to security dialogue across the broader Asia-Pacific area, Lai remarked that the global environment “has become more and more volatile.”
He cited several international flashpoints to underline his concerns.
“The Russia-Ukraine War is still ongoing, and conflict in the Middle East has only intensified. … China’s military activities in the Taiwan Strait and East and South China Seas pose unprecedented challenges to the rules-based international order,” Lai stated, referring to a transcript of his remarks during the forum.
For 2025, Taiwan’s defense budget is set to hit an unprecedented $19 billion, marking a significant investment in national security.
During his speech, Lai also outlined the Four Pillars of Peace strategy pursued by his government.
This framework focuses on enhancing “national defense, building economic security, demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and promoting values-based diplomacy.”
Lai reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to preserving the current state of affairs and fostering peace across the Taiwan Strait.
“Our government remains committed to maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” he declared, noting that he had completed his first year in the presidency this May.
He further emphasized that ensuring stability in the Taiwan Strait is not solely a local concern.
“We recognize that peace in the Taiwan Strait is not just a regional issue, but a shared responsibility for economic stability and security around the world,” he added.
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