Taiwan’s defense spending is inadequate to address mounting security threats, Montgomery said, adding that lawmakers should pass the special defense budget promptly and raise defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP within a year, with plans for a further increase to 5 percent. Former US Navy rear admiral Mark Montgomery, center, speaks at a forum at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Fang Wei-li, Taipei TimesThe remarks came as lawmakers wrapped up a three-day joint session last month to review three competing special defense budget proposals without reaching a conclusion. The platforms play a critical role in offensive and defensive operations, and the DPP-backed special budget includes dedicated funding for their development, Chen said. CSBC Corp, Taiwan chairman Chen Jeng-horng (陳政宏) said Taiwan must develop strategies suited to its own maritime environment, which differs from Ukraine’s.

Source: Taipei Times April 07, 2026 17:12 UTC