Defence spending shows determination to protect Taiwan, president says

TAIPEI — Taiwan’s plan for defence spending next year to exceed T$1 trillion (S$40 billion) for the first time shows the international community the island’s determination to strengthen its defences, President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday (Sept 2).Beijing, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past few years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.Speaking to military officers on Taiwan’s Armed Forces Day, Lai said better preparations brought greater security.”Only by continuously enhancing defence capabilities and deterrent power can national security and regional peace be better ensured,” he said.Next year’s proposed defence budget “demonstrates to the international community Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its self-defence capabilities,” Lai added.The government will continue to implement defence self-reliance, develop the military industrial sector, artificial intelligence, and unmanned vehicles, and “enhance Taiwan’s overall capability to respond to future challenges,” he said.

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