TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Foreign media recently reported that Taiwan is considering a purchase of military arms from the U.S. valued between US$7 billion and US$10 billion, and the authorities have engaged in discussion. However, the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) declined Tuesday (Feb. 18) to comment on media reports, noting that the allocation of a special budget remains under evaluation.
Major General Weng Yu-heng (翁予恒), from the MND's Department of Strategic Planning (國防部戰略規劃司), emphasized that military purchases are not the only avenue being considered. He stated that the focus is on constructing asymmetric capabilities, enhancing defense resilience, and improving reserve forces.
The ministry's spokesperson, Sun Li-fang (孫立方), reiterated that budget planning follows established principles and is based on threat assessments and readiness needs. Sun also highlighted the importance of garnering public support and communication as key tasks for the Ministry of National Defense moving forward.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced plans for a special budget to raise defense spending above 3% of GDP on Feb. 14, demonstrating Taiwan's commitment to self-defense. His administration may reclassify major military investments, such as the $284 billion "Taiwan's Indigenous Defence Submarine program" (潛艦國造) and the over $86 billion Harpoon missile system (魚叉飛彈), as part of this special budget.
