Military

Lai Emphasizes Record Defense Budget at Armed Forces Day Event

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By TaiwanPlus

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President Lai Ching-te says the government’s proposed 2027 defense budget demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to protect itself. Speaking at an Armed Forces Day event, Lai also pledged greater support for service members and highlighted progress in combat training during August’s Han Kuang exercises. But ahead of the ceremony, one award recipient urged Taiwan to invest more in developing and producing weapons domestically and buy less from the US.

Taiwan’s 2027 Defense Budget: Determination to Defend

REPORTER:  
President Lai Ching-te says the government’s proposed 2027 defense budget shows Taiwan’s determination to defend itself.

REPORTER:  
Next year’s total defense budget will exceed NT$1 trillion for the first time, reaching US$38.6 billion and remaining above 3% of GDP. We want to show the international community Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its self-defense capabilities.

REPORTER:  
Lai was speaking at an Armed Forces Day event on Wednesday, where he gave awards to outstanding military personnel. He said his administration wants to provide better support for service members, citing a recent increase in combat unit pay. He also pointed to August's Han Kuang military exercises as evidence of improved combat training.

REPORTER:  
Ahead of the ceremony, one of the award recipients urged Taiwan to devote more resources to developing and producing weapons domestically.

BITE:  
There are some weapons that in my personal view we don’t need to purchase from the US. For some more advanced weapons our military can actually develop them using our own technology.

REPORTER:  
Lai also said Taiwan will further develop its defense industry, as well as AI and uncrewed systems.