Taiwan is set to boost defense spending by about 16% in 2027 to over NT$1.1 trillion, marking the first time its annual military budget will surpass the NT$1 trillion mark, Reuters reported Sunday, citing official Central News Agency reports.
The proposed budget, slated to be proposed on Aug. 20, is expected to remain above 3% of gross domestic product for a second year and will include spending on the coast guard, veterans and special projects. The planned increase comes as Taiwan steps up efforts to strengthen its military amid growing pressure from China, which considers the island part of its territory, the report said.
Taipei has accelerated military modernization, including plans to develop its own submarines, while the United States has also urged Taiwan to take on a greater share of its defense costs. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has backed higher defense spending as part of efforts to improve the island's ability to respond to potential threats, according to the news agency.
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