TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense on Monday urged the Legislative Yuan to review the 2026 general budget proposal to avoid affecting national defense priorities.
The defense budget, which falls under the general budget, is not only about planning and allocating resources but also an important strategic signal to the international community of Taiwan’s determination to defend itself, the ministry said in a report, per CNA. If the budget is not reviewed on schedule, it would affect Taiwan’s force-building and readiness and could create hidden risks for national security, it said.
Time has become the most expensive and irreversible resource in defensive operations, it said.
The ministry said China’s threats have continued, and the possibility of Chinese military drills escalating into war has increased significantly. Taiwan’s Armed Forces must quickly build deterrent capabilities to curb Chinese gray-zone harassment, it said.
China launched its Justice Mission 2025 military exercise last week around Taiwan, which saw army, navy, air force and rocket force assets conducting patrols, practicing blockade maneuvers and gaining “complete control” of the surrounding area. Chinese forces also simulated establishing deterrence.
If adequate defense funding is not secured, nearly NT$20 billion (US$635.62 million) worth of weapons acquisitions would be affected, the ministry said. This includes the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, Harpoon Coastal Defense Missile System, F-16 weapons, and spare parts for seven aircraft.
The ministry said delaying a general budget review would also affect Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities, protection of combat personnel, and support and welfare for service members.
The KMT and TPP parties blocked a special NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.77 billion) defense budget for the fifth time on Tuesday. Opposition lawmakers have demanded President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) explain his administration’s policies before the Legislative Yuan and participate in a question-and-answer session. Lai agreed to present his policies but refused a Q&A session.
