Hundreds of protesters gathered in Taiwan’s capital Taipei, calling for increased defence spending after the opposition-controlled parliament reduced a proposed special military budget aimed at countering growing pressure from China.
According to an international report by Reuters, President Lai Ching-te’s administration had proposed a special defence package worth nearly $40 billion to strengthen Taiwan’s military preparedness. The plan included the purchase of advanced weapons from the United States, development of drone technology, and expansion of a domestically built integrated air defence system.
However, opposition lawmakers approved only part of the package, arguing that the government had failed to provide sufficient transparency regarding spending plans and procurement details. Critics within parliament warned that unchecked defence expenditures could create financial risks and reduce public oversight.
The decision triggered public demonstrations in Taipei, where pro-democracy and pro-independence groups organized rallies demanding the full approval of the defence budget. Protesters waved national flags and chanted slogans emphasizing the importance of national security amid rising military tensions in the region.
One rally organizer stated that “peace can only be preserved through strength,” stressing that Taiwan must remain prepared against external threats.
Political analysts say the controversy reflects deep divisions within Taiwan’s domestic politics over how to respond to Beijing’s growing military pressure. China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and has intensified military drills and strategic operations around the island in recent years.
Taiwan’s government argues that strengthening military capability is essential to deter potential aggression and maintain regional stability. Meanwhile, opposition parties insist they are not against national defence but want stricter financial accountability and greater parliamentary oversight before approving massive military expenditures.
The issue has also drawn attention from Washington. Several American senators and congressional representatives have urged Taiwan’s parliament to pass the full defence package, describing it as a crucial signal of deterrence against China.
International observers believe the Taiwan issue remains one of the most sensitive flashpoints in relations between the United States and China. The ongoing political dispute over defence spending could have significant consequences for the future security landscape of East Asia.
Hundreds Rally in Taipei Demanding Higher Defence Spending After Budget Cuts
