Cabinet defense budget good for regional security contribution: GreeneStaff writer, with CNAThe United States’ representative to Taiwan reiterated his support for the NT$1.25 trillion (US $39 billion) special defense budget proposed by the Cabinet in a recent TV interview, saying it would help Taiwan adapt to modern warfare and contribute to regional security. In an interview with TVBS that aired yesterday, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Raymond Greene said he perceived cross-party commitment to Taiwan’s security, and he hopes Taiwan’s Legislature will review defense budgets in the same spirit. Photo: Screengrab from TVBS’ YouTube channelThose include integrated air and missile defenses, distributed command and control, communications facilities, and anti-ship or anti-armor capabilities, Greene said. Asked to comment on Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s (蕭美琴) recent remark that the special budget, which includes drone production and other local initiatives, was the result of extensive consultations between Taipei and Washington, Greene confirmed Hsiao’s statement. The special budget was planned with “changing character of warfare” in mind -- for example the war in Ukraine, he said.

Source: Taipei Times March 28, 2026 17:13 UTC