Passage of defense budget ‘cannot wait,’ president tells nationBy Su Yung-yao and Hollie Younger / Staff reporter, with staff writerPresident William Lai (賴清德) this morning told the nation that “defense cannot wait,” as he urged the legislature to pass the government’s proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.74 billion) special defense budget. The Executive Yuan on Nov. 27 approved the budget to strengthen Taiwan’s defense and asymmetric warfare capabilities, with funds to be allocated over eight years. Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific neighbors have also increased defense spending in reaction to China’s mounting military aggression, he said. Lai thanked the US administration for its support, adding that the defense budget has received support from the White House and bipartisan members of Congress. Increasing our defense spending is not a provocation, but proof of our commitment to self-defense and ensuring global security,” Lai said.

Source: Taipei Times February 11, 2026 08:24 UTC