Taiwan plans to spend more on defence than ever before in 2027, as pressure from China grows, with President Lai Ching-te announcing the total would exceed 1 trillion Taiwan dollars for the first time.
The combined total from the regular budget and special budgets is set to reach NT$1.1225 trillion Taiwan dollars (US$35.3 billion), Lai said at consultations on the draft budget on Monday.
The government's draft budget for 2026 had provided for defence spending of NT$949.5 billion, calculated on the same basis. The planned spending for 2027 would be around 18% higher than that figure. The presidential office did not initially give an official rate of increase.
"Investment in defence is investment in peace," said the president, who also goes by the name William Lai, according to a statement from his office. Taiwan would continue to strengthen its defence capabilities in order to secure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region.
A breakdown of the planned spending is to follow on Thursday, when the Cabinet officially presents the draft budget. Parliament must then debate the draft. Opposition parties hold the majority in the unicameral parliament, the Legislative Yuan, leaving it unclear whether the full amount will be approved.
Lawmakers only passed the 2026 state budget last week, after months of delay. The opposition said it did not want to give the government a blank cheque and would scrutinize the spending plans carefully.
The democratically governed island is under increasing military and political pressure from China, which regards it as part of its territory. China's leadership has not ruled out the use of military force. Taiwan's government rejects the territorial claims.
