TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will hold a press conference on Wednesday at 10 a.m. to explain the strategic rationale for the proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.6 billion) special defense budget.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) and Chief of the General Staff General Mei Chia-shu (梅家樹) will give briefings afterward on the government’s defense policy, including the overall direction of military investment, details of equipment procurement, and service members’ pay and benefits, CNA reported. Lai proposed the special budget in November in hopes of accelerating Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities and developing a multilayered T-Dome air defense system.

However, the budget remains stalled in the Legislative Yuan, as opposition parties continue to block its review. The Presidential Office said it will emphasize the urgency and explain the budget’s significance for effective force-building and credible deterrence, per CNA.

Army, Navy, and Air Force commanders will be present, demonstrating shared support for the budget, CNA said. The event will be livestreamed on the president’s and Presidential Office’s official Youtube and social media platforms.

The Ministry of National Defense said on Friday that three major US arms offers could lapse if the special defense budget is not approved by March 15, the deadline for the letters of offer and acceptance. The weapons include TOW missiles, Javelin missiles, and M109A7 self-propelled howitzers.