TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday urged lawmakers across party lines to swiftly pass his proposed eight-year special defense budget of NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.75 billion).
He warned that further delays could jeopardize priority US arms sales and undermine international confidence in Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense.
Despite two months of effort, Lai said the fourth session of the 11th Legislative Yuan concluded in January without the bill advancing due to continued obstruction, per CNA. He stressed that “national defense cannot wait, security cannot wait, and support for our soldiers cannot wait any longer.”
He said there is an international consensus that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are vital to global security and prosperity. As China expands its military threat, Indo-Pacific countries, including Japan (NT$1.8 trillion defense budget), South Korea (NT$1.4 trillion), and the Philippines, are increasing defense spending, and Taiwan cannot be an exception.
Lai said Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, is committed to maintaining regional stability. He added that increasing defense spending is not a provocation but a demonstration of resolve.
Given the increasingly complex regional situation, he said service members urgently need the timely acquisition of advanced and sophisticated weapons to protect the lives and property of the people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.
He thanked the US government for issuing price quotations and supporting Taiwan’s defense needs. Taiwan’s stance has also won public backing from the White House and bipartisan members of the US Congress.
Addressing criticism, Lai rejected claims that the budget delay was tied to the government’s failure to adopt an opposition proposal granting all volunteer service members a NT$30,000 monthly raise. “I must solemnly declare that this link is completely false,” he said.
Lai said DPP administrations have provided greater support to the armed forces than KMT governments. Over the past decade, the government has raised pay four times for military personnel, civil servants, and teachers for a cumulative 14% increase, while upgrading equipment and renovating military housing.
He recalled that 21 years ago, when he was a legislator, a US plan to sell Taiwan eight submarines was blocked 69 times in the Legislative Yuan and ultimately failed. Had it passed, he said, the submarines would already be in service, and Taiwan could have strengthened regional stability much earlier.
He urged lawmakers to begin substantive deliberations and pass the bill once the legislature reconvenes after the Lunar New Year, adding “peace is priceless, and there are no winners in war.”
Lai said Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its national defense are not intended to invade any country. “We simply want to protect our familiar way of life," he said.
“We can have ideals about peace, but we should not have illusions,” he said. “Only by preparing for war can we avoid war, and only by being able to fight can we stop war.”
