Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Saturday that increasing the island’s defence spending was intended to deter any confrontation and prevent war, not provoke China. His remarks came as Beijing continued military pressure to assert its sovereignty claim over the island, while Taiwan’s authorities worked to strengthen their capabilities in preparation for a possible military confrontation.
In a speech marking Taiwan’s national day, Lai said: “Our aim in increasing national defence spending is not provocation, but preventing war from breaking out.” The self-governing island’s authorities are seeking to present their defence plans as a means of deterrence and maintaining security in the face of continued Chinese pressure.
Taiwan allocates record defence spending
Taiwan’s government allocated a record 1.1 trillion Taiwan dollars, equivalent to 34.5 billion US dollars, for defence spending in 2027. The amount represents more than 3% of the island’s gross domestic product, as part of efforts to increase military readiness and modernise its defence capabilities.
Successive Taiwanese administrations have increased military spending over the past decade to modernise the armed forces and prepare for any potential attack. Taipei is also seeking to demonstrate to the United States its commitment to taking responsibility for its own defence. Washington supports the island’s ability to protect itself despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the US and Taipei. Taiwan has a population of about 23 million.
Beijing rejects Lai’s justifications and accuses him of separatism
The island’s authorities say strengthening its military capabilities is intended to deter any potential attack, while Beijing regards moves aimed at entrenching Taiwan’s independence as an infringement on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response to Lai’s speech, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned his remarks, saying they “ignore the facts, distort the truth, mislead public opinion and reveal hidden motives”.
The office added that Taiwan’s president had “stubbornly clung to the separatist thinking embodied in Taiwan independence and exaggerated the threat posed by the mainland”. It reiterated Beijing’s position on the island’s status, saying: “There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is part of China, and this is the true status quo in Taiwan.”
It added that the island’s future should be decided jointly by all the Chinese people, including Taiwan’s residents. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control.
Taiwan, however, runs its affairs independently of the Chinese government and has its own political institutions and armed forces. China rejects any step it considers an entrenchment of Taiwan’s independence, while the island’s authorities stress the need to maintain its security and ability to defend itself.
