Taiwan proposes record US$35b defence budget for 2027 as PLA’s pressure grows
Taiwan has unveiled a record NT$1.12 trillion (US$35 billion) defence budget for 2027, with sharp increases in spending on weapons, ammunition and military operations amid growing pressure from Beijing. The proposed spending – the first to cross the NT$1 trillion threshold – is NT$173 billion, or 18.2 per cent, higher than this year’s allocation, according to the government budget approved by the…
Taiwan has announced a record NT$1.12 trillion (US$35 billion) defense budget for 2027, marking a significant increase to address growing pressure from mainland China. The proposed spending is 18.2% higher than the current year's allocation, accounting for about 28.6% of the government's proposed NT$3.93 trillion expenditure. This surge in defense spending comes amid rising military pressure from the People's Liberation Army and calls from Washington for Taipei to invest more in its defense capabilities.
The increase in military investment is largely due to payment schedules for US arms purchases, including F-16V Block 70 fighters and Himars multiple-launch rocket systems. While the government aims to build the "Taiwan Shield" and expand uncrewed combat capabilities, analysts warn that rapid economic growth could make it increasingly difficult to reach the goal of spending 5% of GDP on defense.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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