TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te on Friday expressed hope that Taiwan’s ruling and opposition parties can continue working together to strengthen the country’s seven major defense capabilities.
His remarks came after the Legislative Yuan approved an opposition-backed NT$780 billion (US$24 billion) special defense budget, instead of the NT$1.25 trillion package originally proposed by the ruling DPP. Lai described the vote as a difficult but important step following nearly six months of negotiations between the ruling and opposition camps.
Lai thanked the public for continuing to support efforts to strengthen national defense. However, he said the legislation should be seen as only a first step rather than a complete solution.
The approved portions of the defense procurement package would allow several major arms purchases from the US to move forward, including HIMARS rocket systems. However, Lai added that several important projects were not fully included in the approved budget.
He said the seven defense capabilities outlined in the DPP's special budget are designed to function as an integrated system. Plans include building a layered air defense network, strengthening deterrence capabilities, developing long-range precision-strike systems, and supporting Taiwan’s domestic defense industry, according to Youth Daily News.
Lai cited rising regional security concerns, pointing to nearby countries including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. He said their ruling and opposition parties have moved quickly to approve military strengthening plans and related budgets in response.
He said he hopes the two sides can build on the latest progress and continue cooperating to complete all seven defense capabilities without leaving critical defense systems unfinished.