Taiwanese defense experts have called for the nation to prioritize self-defense capabilities and missile acquisition after President William Lai (賴清德) on Friday pledge to raise the defense budget to 3 percent of Taiwan’s GDP to acquire military platforms from the US.
Lai said the government would propose a special budget this year for the increase.
Observers said that might increase this year’s defense budget by NT$150 billion (US$4.57 billion).
Photo: Liao Chen-huei, Taipei Times
The defense budget for fiscal year 2025 currently stands at NT$647 billion, or about 2.45 percent of GDP.
Whether the proposed budget increase, which requires legislative approval, would materialize remains uncertain.
Institute for National Defense and Security Research research fellow Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) on Friday applauded Lai’s decision to increase defense spending, adding that it sent a positive message to the international community.
However, Su said purchasing more arms from the US should be made with Taiwan’s strategic needs in mind.
Taiwan’s priority should be increasing its self-defense capabilities, such as precision-guided missiles, anti-surface and anti-air missiles, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and drones for all three services, he said.
Only then should Taiwan turn back to acquiring larger platforms, he said.
Taiwan Security Association Deputy Secretary General Ho Cheng-hui (何澄輝) said that even if the US were willing to sell significant platforms such as Aegis-equipped ships and F-35 fighter jets, Taiwan would not receive them for another decade.
Taiwan should ask for technology transfers from the US, such as acquiring the blueprints for the Arleigh-Burke class frigate and the Aegis system or work with the US on joint manufacturing of naval ships equipped with the Aegis system, he said.
The nation should increase its storage capacity for missiles and step up training with the US, he added.
Asked about China’s increasing use of “gray zone” tactics, Ho said foreign think tanks’ suggestions of the air force increasing deployment of P-3C Orions were viable suggestions.
Alongside the nation’s indigenous uncrewed submarine development project, codenamed “Huilong” (慧龍), the nation should also consider purchasing more uncrewed submarines from the US to increase patrol frequency in the shallow waters west of Taiwan, which would also enhance the nation’s naval capabilities, Ho said.
Kuo Yu-jen (郭育仁), deputy director of the Institute for National Policy Research, said that Taiwan, like other countries, is beginning to increase defense spending per the demands of US President Donald Trump.
Kuo said the government should create a cross-ministry US committee that includes representatives from the military, and economic and technology experts to help form national policies and strategic goals to better protect Taiwanese interests.
Additional reporting by CNA
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the
RSS