The special defense budget was proposed by President William Lai’s (賴清德) administration in November last year to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities against external threats from China. However, the legislature, dominated by the opposition Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), repeatedly blocked its review. “Without significant increases in Taiwan’s defense spending at levels reflected in President Lai’s proposed special budget, this progress will be insufficient,” the letter said. With like-minded countries taking more responsibility for their own defense by bolstering defense spending, the opposition parties’ blocking of Taiwan’s defense bills has caused international allies, especially the US, to doubt their willingness to defend the nation. The legislators’ upcoming deliberation on the special defense budget should focus on practical defense needs, not just on bargaining.

Source: Taipei Times February 26, 2026 16:20 UTC