U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly called for Taiwan to increase its defense spending, as well as pay the U.S. a “protection fee.” A recent Reuters report suggests that Taiwan could meet these demands through a large-scale U.S. arms purchase plan. What would increasing defense spending to 10% GDP mean for Taiwan? In this episode of “Taiwan Talks,” we discuss whether a 10% GDP defense budget would be feasible, how such an increase would affect other sectors, and how Taiwan should address discontent within its military. Furthermore, we examine Taiwan’s efforts to rectify defense challenges, how it should demonstrate its defense resolution, and whether U.S. arms sales can truly address Taiwan’s defense needs.
Our guests are:
Vincent Chao
- Taipei City Councilor
Wang Kai-chun
- Foreign Policy Advisor at the Office of R.O.C. Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin
25:45
24:27
26:29
23:40
24:46
26:17
25:37
24:47
23:31
25:47
24:11
26:02
26:31
25:31
26:47
24:41