Taiwan's leader urges democracies to unite as defence spending hits record

· Politics · Taiwan · China

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called on democracies in the region to unite against threats to stability, as the island faces pressure from Beijing and concern that US President Donald Trump's rapprochement with China could come at Taiwan's expense. Taiwan has earmarked a record NT$1.1 trillion (about S$44 billion) in defence spending for 2027, accounting for more than 3% of GDP, which Lai said would 'deter war'. The US has called Chinese actions off Taiwan's east coast 'deeply destabilising' after a report of the first known sighting of a Chinese militia boat there.

Why it matters：Taiwan's record defence budget and calls for unity reflect rising cross-strait tension and uncertainty about US backing amid Trump's China outreach.

Key points

  • Taiwan earmarked a record NT$1.1 trillion in defence spending for 2027.
  • The budget accounts for more than 3% of GDP.
  • The US called Chinese actions off Taiwan's east coast 'deeply destabilising'.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day