00:00Taiwan's government has proposed an 80% increase in defense spending for next year
00:05as Taipei strengthens its military capabilities amid growing pressure from China.
00:10The plan will push defense spending above $31.4 billion for the first time
00:16and raise the total to more than 3% of gross domestic product.
00:22Taiwanese defense officials say the plans include additional spending on drones and missiles
00:27that had previously failed to secure approval from parliament.
00:31The announcement comes as Beijing stepped up military and political pressure on Taiwan,
00:36which China claims as its territory despite Taipei rejecting that position.
00:41Taiwan has also faced growing calls from Washington to increase its own defense spending
00:45as the U.S. presses allies to take greater responsibility.
00:49President Lai Ching-te has strongly supported that approach and has backed higher military spending
00:54as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its ability to deter potential threats.
Comments