Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te, has called for a boost in defense spending and a strong commitment to protecting the island from China's threat. Lai's New Year's message comes as the US enters a new administration under Donald Trump, whose approach to Taiwan's defense has raised concerns. While Taipei has increased military spending, it remains reliant on US arms sales for deterrence against Beijing.
TAIPEI — Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te said Wednesday the island must increase defense spending and 'demonstrate its determination' to protect itself, in a New Year's speech just weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in the United States.Self-ruled Taiwan faces the constant threat of invasion from China , which claims the island as part of its territory and has refused to renounce the use of force to bring it under its control.
While Taipei has increased spending on its military in recent years, the island of 23 million people still relies heavily on US arms sales as a deterrence against Beijing.Lai has sought to get on side with the incoming US administration and show the island's commitment to investing more in its own defense.But he is struggling to push his government's budget, which includes record defense spending, through parliament, which is controlled by opposition parties.
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