Taiwan boosts defence budget in light of China’s threatening antics
Taiwan is seeking to improve its defensive capability in light of Chinese aggression. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Taiwan is boosting its defence budget, and at the same time seeking weapons from the US and enhancing indigenous missile production.
Taiwan’s Executive Yuan proposed a significant 13.9% hike in its defence budget for the year ahead, no doubt spurred on by China’s martial antics surrounding the recent visit by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The budget increase amounts to a record NT$586.3 billion ($19.5 billion) defence budget for 2023. It still needs to be approved by the Legislative Yuan, but it would equate to 2.4% of GDP.
The proposed budget includes NT$108.3 billion for new fighters and other equipment.
The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics has not given a specific breakdown of the defence budget. Nonetheless, the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
