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Taiwan Boosts Defence Spending to Deter Chinese Aggression
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Firstpost•10-10-2026, 09:34
Taiwan Boosts Defence Spending to Deter Chinese Aggression
- •Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated that increasing defence spending aims to deter war rather than provoke conflict amid rising pressure from Beijing.
- •The government has earmarked a record NT$1.1 trillion for defence spending by 2027, accounting for more than three percent of GDP.
- •Lai emphasized during his National Day address that peace cannot rely solely on wishes while China continues military and grey-zone activities.
- •Taiwan is currently waiting for US President Donald Trump's signature on a $14 billion weapons package, including Patriot air defence systems.
Key Questions Answered
Taiwan's government has earmarked a record NT$1.1 trillion (US$34.5 billion) in defence spending for 2027, accounting for more than three percent of the island's GDP.
President Lai Ching-te stated that the goal of increasing national defence investment is not to provoke, but to deter war and respond to China's continuous military pressure and grey-zone activities.
Taiwan is awaiting President Donald Trump's signature on $14 billion worth of requested weapons, which includes the US-made Patriot air defence system.
