TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former AIT Director William Brent Christensen said focusing on increasing Taiwan’s defense spending to 10% of GDP is unrealistic, and assessments should also account for things like civil defense spending.

Speaking at a Global Taiwan Institute conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Christensen said commentators should not fixate on the 10% figure, per CNA. He agreed that Taiwan should increase its defense spending, but said arbitrarily choosing a percentage of GDP is meaningless.

Elbridge Colby, who was recently confirmed as US President Donald Trump's under secretary of defense for policy, said Taiwan should increase its defense spending to this number during his confirmation hearing. Colby said he was “profoundly disturbed” by Taiwan's recent defense spending cuts. 

Christensen said Taiwan’s military expenditure may not account for civil defense training. He added social resilience is part of Taiwan’s overall defense strategy.

Former US official and Asia security expert Derek Mitchell agreed with Christensen. He said 10% is a meaningless figure, but encouraged Taiwan to increase defense spending.

Mitchell said if Taiwan increases defense spending, it should go towards armaments, logistics, maintenance, food supplies, and energy. He said the US needs to support Taiwan and speed up equipment deliveries while conducting joint combat planning with its allies.

Global Taiwan Institute Executive Director Russel Hsiao (蕭良其) said observers should note Colby’s focus on “denial defense” as well as his defense spending recommendations. Hsiao said the US and its allies should increase defense spending to ensure the denial strategy is possible.

The Global Taiwan Institute held the conference to release a new report on US-Taiwan relations that recommended Taiwan increase defense spending. The report also calls on politicians to avoid politicizing defense issues and lead a defense effort that involves all of society.