Military

Officials Make Case for Expanded Defense Budget

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By Andy Hsueh/Lery Hiciano

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Legislative gridlock has left roughly 20% of the defense budget as yet unapproved, along with the entirety of the President's special defense fund, leaving officials to make the case that it is a necessity for the country's armed forces in order to deter threats.

Taiwan Lawmakers Deadlocked Over Defense Budget

 

REPORTER:  

All eyes are on the government’s stalled budget proposal – and what it could mean for Taiwan’s defense.

 

$2.4 billion US dollars, roughly 20% of the general defense budget, has yet to be approved.

 

REPORTER:  

Defense officials, eyeing the growing threat from China, are sounding the alarm.

Lt. Gen. Huang Wen-chi, STRATEGIC PLANNING DIRECTOR, DEFENSE MINISTRY:

But we can no longer just scrape by.  

We must urgently prepare for the threat posed by the enemy.  

This is a necessary step to elevate our deterrence capabilities.

 

REPORTER:  

Questions about the general budget come while a separate defense spending plan stalls in the legislature. That plan, introduced in November by President Lai Ching-te, could see Taiwan spend $40 billion US dollars on overhauling its defenses.

 

On Monday, Defense Minister Wellington Koo met lawmakers to explain its importance. Then on Thursday officials responded to criticism about the need for both a special budget and general budget.

 

If we were to rely on the regular government budget or special-purpose fund to meet these needs it could take several decades before we’d be able to build the production capacity we aim to achieve.

 

REPORTER:  

In the US, concern over Taiwan’s willingness to spend on its own defense is growing, with key officials urging lawmakers here to approve the funds.

Raymond Greene, DIRECTOR, AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN TAIWAN:

Freedom is not free.  

America can only help our friends as much they help themselves.  

Taiwan’s defense spending rising to 5% of GDP by 2030, including through a $1.25 trillion NTD special budget, is so critical.

REPORTER:  

REPORTER:  

This comes as the US House Appropriations Committee has approved more than 1 billion US dollars in Taiwan-related defense spending, and lawmakers have proposed new legislation, known as the PORCUPINE Act, to fast-track arms sales.

 

With Taiwan’s legislative deadlock showing no sign of easing, the opposition is now inviting government officials to debate the issue publicly.

 

Andy Hseuh and Lery Hiciano, for TaiwanPlus.