Taiwan’s Lai Presses Opposition to Approve $40 Billion Defence

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday urged the opposition-controlled parliament to pass a stalled $40 billion special defence budget, warning that strengthening the island’s military cannot be delayed as security threats intensify.

Lai first proposed the additional defence spending last year to counter mounting pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and has increased military activity around the island. The package remains blocked in parliament, where the main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), has advanced a smaller alternative focused primarily on funding select U.S. weapons purchases.

Speaking at the presidential office, Lai rejected accusations that his administration was seeking unchecked approval.

“I have never asked lawmakers to pass the budget unconditionally,” he said, adding that the government is prepared to provide detailed explanations and accept full scrutiny of its plans.

Still, Lai cautioned against allowing partisan rivalry to undermine national security. “Political parties may compete,” he said, “but national defence — so closely tied to sovereignty and survival — should be an area where we unite and present a common front.”

The KMT, whose vice chairman visited Beijing last week, says it supports defence spending but will not sign what it described as “blank cheques.” The party has blamed Lai for the legislative deadlock, insisting on its right to thoroughly review the proposal.

Lai argued that the growing external threat leaves little room for delay. “As threats continue to rise and force-building becomes ever more urgent, we are once again seeing efforts to obstruct the strengthening of national defence,” he said.

Taiwan seeks peace, Lai added, but cannot afford complacency. “Taiwan’s strengthening of national defence is not to invade any country,” he said. “We are simply safeguarding the way of life we are accustomed to.”