The Taiwanese government’s nearly $40 billion defense budget request is in jeopardy as the opposition advances a much smaller proposal through parliament that omits a number of capabilities deemed critical to deterring and defending against a Chinese attack.
The counterproposal — which would slash President Lai Ching-te’s eight-year, special defense budget request by almost 70% — has raised concerns with the Defense Ministry and prompted dismay in Washington, as China ramps up its military activities around the self-ruled island.
“I’m disappointed to see Taiwan’s opposition parties in parliament slash President Lai’s defense budget so dramatically,” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, .
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.