In the midst of rising tensions with China, Taiwan’s defense budget will be increased by 13.9% next year, according to a proposal announced by the Cabinet on Thursday.
According to the proposal, total national defense spending in 2023 will be 586.3 billion Taiwan dollars (TWD) ($19.4 billion), according to the dpa news agency.
Among other things, it includes 108.3 billion TWD for the purchase of advanced fighter jets.
In response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on August 2, the Chinese military conducted large-scale maneuvers around the island earlier this month.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday that China has increased military activities involving aircraft and warships in recent years.
The Ministry has pledged to improve Taiwan’s ability to conduct asymmetric warfare in order to deter the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
In 2021, China will significantly increase the number of warplane sorties into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan has had its own government since 1949, but China considers the democratic island to be part of its territory and opposes any official contacts between Taipei and others.
