Taiwan lawmakers approve $7.6 bn drone budget as China threat grows
Lawmakers in Taiwan approved a $7.6 billion budget for locally made drones on Thursday as the island democracy seeks to strengthen its defences against a potential Chinese attack. Taiwan has ramped up military spending in recent years and is building up its defence industry to make more equipment and ammunition on the island, which China […]
Taiwan's parliament has approved a $7.6 billion budget for the development of locally made drones to bolster the self-ruled island's defenses against potential Chinese aggression. The Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's self-governing parliament, voted in favor of the proposal submitted by President Lai Ching-te's administration, after the government's initial plan was rejected.
The spending, which would be spread over six years, includes the allocation of NT$240 billion for the production of coastal surveillance, attack, and surface drones. The opposition parties, Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), had advocated for a more balanced approach, proposing NT$240 billion in spending over six years for Taiwan-made unmanned vehicles.
US pressure has also played a role in spurring the development of local drone capabilities, as Taiwan seeks to counter China's grey-zone activities and potential military threats.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Taiwan lawmakers approve $7.6 bn drone budget as China threat grows hongkongfp.com
- China deploys record number of ships around Taiwan as pressure grows malaymail.com
- Taiwan lawmakers approve US$7.6bil drone budget as China threat grows freemalaysiatoday.com
- China increases maritime pressure around Taiwan dailytimes.com.pk
