Taiwan defense budget 結果共17筆

Discover how Taiwan is exploring aerial refueling and early warning aircraft procurement with the U.S. and France to enhance its military capabilities amid increasing airspace intrusions.

Discover the latest developments in Taiwan’s defense technology as the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology successfully tests a new stationary drone defense system. Amidst budget freezes and legislative scrutiny, the system’s future hangs in the balance, with calls for transparency and detailed operational status from the military. Explore the intricate debate over national security and budget allocations in Taiwan’s legislative chambers.

Explore the concerns over delayed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, highlighting the establishment of a ＂Tiger team＂ to address delivery issues, discussions in the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, and the involvement of Taiwan’s National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo in military matters.

The U.S. military’s floating pier in Gaza could have implications for Taiwan Strait conflict scenarios, as analyzed by The Daily Telegraph. Taiwan’s military responds to Chinese Communist Party aircraft with Joint Civil Military Air-Raid Exercise and plans to expand political warfare units in the navy. The Tien-Kung III missile, developed domestically, strengthens defense capabilities against aerial threats. New missile sites and integrated defense operations demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing combat effectiveness.

President-elect Lai Ching-te shows strong support for Taiwan’s Indigenous Defence Submarine program, aiming to build all seven follow-up submarines simultaneously. Joining him on an inspection of the prototype submarine Narwhal at CSBC Corporation’s Hai Chang factory was current President Tsai Ing-wen. The transition of power between Tsai and Lai is set for May 20, with Lai emphasizing the need to complete the submarine project swiftly. The projected cost for each follow-up submarine is around NT$20 billion, with a total budget estimated between NT$150 billion and NT$200 billion.

Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je accepts President Tsai Ing-wen’s invitation for dialogue on critical national issues, emphasizing support for partisan reconciliation and cross-strait peace. Their meeting, the first since 2018, sparks public interest and discussions on political communication platforms and key national issues.

The White House announces a historic US$100 million military assistance allocation for Taiwan in the fiscal year 2025 budget, marking the first dedicated funding by the U.S. Department of State for the island. This move aims to enhance Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities and maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, President Joe Biden authorizes the sale of F-16 Infrared Search and Track systems to Taiwan, further reinforcing security cooperation.

China announces a 7.2% increase in its defense budget for the year, reaching 1.67 trillion yuan (US$231 billion), signaling significant military expansion. Comparatively, this figure dwarfs Taiwan’s budget, amidst global rises in military spending.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) of Taiwan has announced that the first group of 650 conscription men will receive their individual combat gear on March 22 after completing basic training. The MND has allocated a budget of NT＄4.04 billion for the ＂Xing’an project＂ from 2022 to 2024, which aims to improve the living conditions and quality of life for officers and soldiers. The conscripts will promptly receive their complete battle gear after basic training to carry out various combat training tasks. Sizing for the gear was conducted during the first week of conscription, with distribution scheduled for a week before graduation or before March 22. The MND’s comprehensive distribution of new style combat outfits, which has been ongoing for five years, includes 15 items such as tactical helmets, vests, and shock-absorbing elbow and knee guards.

Taiwan’s People Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je warns that both the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) are using China to their advantage in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. While the DPP incites anti-China sentiments for votes, the KMT strengthens ties with China. Ko suggests that if the KMT comes to power, Taiwan could be ＂bought by China,＂ leading to intense debates. He emphasizes the importance of Taiwan’s autonomy and cross-strait peace, but asserts that autonomy is a prerequisite. Ko advocates for increased defense spending and strategic thinking to ensure Taiwan’s security. He concludes that choosing him as president would guarantee peace and safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty.

DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the importance of strength in maintaining Taiwan’s status quo and preventing bullying. She highlighted the current state and prospects of U.S.-Taiwan relations, noting that U.S. policy has consistently supported maintaining the status quo and opposing the use of force. Hsiao mentioned that under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the U.S. has shifted to view China competitively but does not seek a new Cold War. She emphasized critical issues of peace, security, and economic cooperation in Taiwan-U.S. ties, including the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. Hsiao underscored Taiwan’s determination to defend itself, citing the national defense budget and military modernization reforms. She referred to herself as a ＂cat warrior＂ and advocated for government reform and a balanced international stance. Hsiao urged that Taiwan not become a divisive issue between American political parties and emphasized the need for a proper balance amidst U.S.-China competition to ensure Taiwan’s safe and steady progression.

Nearly 60% of Taiwanese people support increasing the national defense budget to 3% of GDP, according to a survey released by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR). The survey, conducted by the National Chengchi University Election Study Center, gathered 1,214 complete responses from November 12 to November 13. Around 9% of respondents believe the current defense budget is very insufficient, while 46% consider it to be insufficient, totaling approximately 55% who think the defense spending needs a boost. Additionally, nearly 60% of the full sample expressed approval for cutting other government expenditures to raise the defense budget, while around 41% would favor paying more taxes to achieve a defense budget constituting 3% of GDP.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen addressed criticism about her government’s spending and accusations of burdening future generations with debt. She claimed to be the best debt-repaying president and announced that her administration had repaid over NT$800 billion of debt. Tsai highlighted the increases in national spending under her leadership, including a significant hike in the national defense budget to NT$600 billion and a raise in the budget for elderly care from NT$5 billion to NT$80 billion. She also mentioned the expansion of the national child-rearing policy and the progress of the indigenous defense aircraft program. Tsai viewed the construction of a prototype submarine as a milestone that strengthens the island’s defensive capabilities.

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee has agreed to include provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24 NDAA) to assist in the training of Taiwan’s armed forces. The bill, with a budget of ＵＳUS＄876.8 billion, requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive training and advisory program for Taiwan’s military. The program will only proceed with the consent of the Secretary of State and after consultations with Taiwanese officials. The legislation aims to enhance Taiwan’s multilayered defense capabilities, including asymmetric defense strategies and interoperability with U.S. forces. It also promotes cybersecurity cooperation and the protection of military networks. The NDAA mandates biannual reporting on China’s military developments in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea. Additionally, a classified report will evaluate the absorption of U.S.-provided military capabilities by Taiwan’s armed forces. After approval by Congress, President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, strengthening U.S.-Taiwan defense relations.

President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to protecting freedom, democracy, and regional peace at the 2023 Taipei Security Dialogue. The event focused on key issues including China’s challenge to the global order and democracy, the influence of the Ukrainian-Russian war on global relations, and China’s expanding global influence. Tsai discussed strengthening self-defense capabilities, restoring compulsory military service, increasing the defense budget, and highlighted Taiwan’s first domestically produced submarine prototype. She drew examples from Ukraine’s resistance against Russian invasion and conflicts in the Middle East to highlight the impact of ＂grey zone＂ activity on stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Other attendees included high-ranking officials from Taiwan’s government and diplomats and experts from various countries.

Rising cross-strait tensions have become a concern for many democracies around the world. As China increases its military drills surrounding Taiwan, former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper advises Taiwan to boost its defense budget to enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities. 

According to reports, the Ministry of National Defense is preparing a special budget plan for the production of seven additional domestically-built submarines, with a budget exceeding NT300 billion in the latter half of this year.