Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed his commitment to defend the island’s sovereignty during his New Year’s address on January 1, 2024. This statement follows heightened military activity by China, which recently conducted live-fire drills in proximity to Taiwan. In his address, Lai emphasized the importance of national defense, pledging to enhance Taiwan’s resilience and establish robust deterrence mechanisms against potential threats.
In response to concerns regarding a possible Chinese invasion, Lai referenced the ancient military strategist Sun Tzu, stating, “For Taiwan, the most important thing is… Rely not on the likelihood of the enemies not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him.” This declaration underscores Taiwan’s proactive stance in the face of increasing military intimidation from Beijing.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported the detection of 77 aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), alongside 17 vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and eight official ships around Taiwan’s waters. These maneuvers followed China’s vocal opposition to a recent arms deal proposed by the United States, which amounts to a significant US$11.1 billion aid package aimed at bolstering Taiwan’s defenses.
On December 26, 2023, China issued a warning to over 20 US defense firms and their executives, calling for an end to American military support for Taiwan. Just days later, on December 29, the Chinese military conducted joint drills involving multiple branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force, as a “stern warning” against any moves toward Taiwanese independence.
Defense Budget and Legislative Challenges
In light of these developments, Taiwan has proposed a substantial defense budget of US$40 billion to be allocated over eight years from 2026 to 2033. This budget aims to fund arms purchases and support the development of the “Taiwan Dome,” an advanced air defense system designed to enhance detection and interception capabilities. President Lai has also committed to increasing Taiwan’s overall defense spending to 5 percent of its gross domestic product by 2030.
During his address, Lai called on opposition parties to prioritize national security over partisan interests. However, the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) lawmakers have obstructed discussions regarding the special defense budget, marking their fifth attempt to block it in December alone. KMT deputy secretary-general Wang Hung-wei criticized the proposed 30 percent allocation of government expenditure for defense as excessive, drawing parallels to wartime spending in Ukraine. She has demanded greater transparency and accountability from the presidential office regarding defense expenditures.
The ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China highlight the urgent need for a unified approach to national defense. President Lai’s assertions and budget proposals reflect Taiwan’s determination to maintain its sovereignty and prepare for any potential challenges posed by its larger neighbor. As military drills continue and political discussions unfold, Taiwan’s role in regional stability remains critical.
