Taiwan puts $40 billion toward buying US weapons and building a defense dome

Описание: (26 Nov 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
ARCHIVE: Hsinchu, Taiwan - 31 October 2025
1. Zoom-out of US-made M1A2T tank arriving at the ceremony
2. Mid soldier saluting on tank
3. Various of soldiers marching
4. Various of tanks

ASSOCIATED PRESS
ARCHIVE: Pintung, Taiwan - 21 January 2025
5. Various of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te standing next to a U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet
STORYLINE:
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday announced a special $40 billion budget for arms purchases, including to build an air defense system with high-level detection and interception capabilities called Taiwan Dome, as the U.S. pressures the island to increase its defense spending.

The budget will be allocated over eight years, from 2026 to 2033, and comes after Lai already pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of the island's GDP, as part of his strategy amid China's threats of invasion.

Currently, Taiwan has set an increase in its defense budget to 3.3% of its GDP for 2026, allocating $949.5 billion Taiwan dollars ($31.18 billion).

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Taiwan raise its defense spending to as much as 10% of GDP, a proportion well above what the U.S. or any of its major allies spend.

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday said it welcomes Taiwan's budget announcement and "supports Taiwan's acquisition of critical defense capabilities, commensurate with the threat it faces.”

It also said it welcomes commitments by Lai's administration to increase defense spending to at least 5% of GDP by 2030, “which demonstrates resolve to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities.”

Taiwan, a self-ruled island, is claimed by China. In recent years, China has deployed warplanes, navy ships and drones toward the island on a daily basis in military exercises as part of its efforts to exert pressure.

Lai had previewed the announcement in an op-ed for The Washington Post on Wednesday, saying the special budget would be used to purchase arms from the U.S. He told reporters Wednesday, however, that the budget has nothing to do with the government's tariff negotiations with the U.S.

Wellington Koo, Taiwan's defense minister, said Wednesday the $40 billion is an upper limit for the special budget and that it will be used to buy precision-strike missiles and work toward the joint development and procurement between Taiwan and the U.S. of equipment and systems.

Lai also said his government would focus on finding ways to increase its defense against Beijing's “psychological warfare” as China attempts to “weaken our unity.” He said the government will monitor and increase public awareness of China's interference attempts during major events and elections.

Lai also commented on an escalating feud between China and Japan, which started after Japan’s conservative new leader said the country might get involved militarily if China makes a move against Taiwan. The remarks incensed Beijing.

Lai said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi 's comments appeared to be focused largely on the stability of the region.

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