World News
Taiwan's Lai says record defence budget aims to deter war
The 2027 allocation of NT$1.1 trillion ($34.5bn) comes as Taiwan awaits Trump's sign-off on a $14bn weapons package.
The short version
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said increased defence investment aims to deter war, not provoke it.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
- His government has set aside a record NT$1.1 trillion ($34.5bn) for defence in 2027.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
- Taiwan is awaiting Trump's sign-off on a $14bn weapons package, including the Patriot air defence system.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
- China claims Taiwan as its territory, has not renounced the use of force, and calls Lai a separatist.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
Key facts
- Lai said Taiwan's increased defence investment aims to deter war rather than provoke.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
- Taiwan's government has set aside a record NT$1.1 trillion ($34.5bn) for defence spending in 2027.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
- Taiwan is awaiting US President Donald Trump's approval of $14 billion in weapons sales, including the Patriot air defence system.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
- China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has not renounced the use of force to take it, and calls Lai a separatist.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Trump approves the $14 billion weapons package, including the Patriot system, remains unresolved because Taiwan is still awaiting his sign-off.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.