Taiwan's leader says increasing defence spending to 'deter war'

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s administration has announced a record-breaking defense budget of NT$1.1 trillion, equivalent to approximately $34.5 billion, for the year 2027. This allocation represents more than 3% of the island's total GDP.

The government has stated that the primary objective of this increased military expenditure is to deter potential conflict. The move reflects a strategic effort to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities in response to regional security concerns.