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Taiwan's Defense Budget Stalled Amid Legislative Deadlock

12/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te's NT$1.2 trillion (US$37 billion) military plan faces obstacles from fiscal reform clashes and a court ruling.
The opposition-controlled legislature has blocked the proposed Special Act on Strengthening Defence Resilience from review since its late November announcement.
The deadlock has stalled the review of Taiwan's 2026 general budget and increased pressure on Lai's Democratic Progressive Party.
The cabinet refused to sign amendments to a revenue-sharing act.

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Story summary

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te's NT$1.2 trillion (US$37 billion) military plan faces obstacles from fiscal reform clashes and a court ruling.
The opposition-controlled legislature has blocked the proposed Special Act on Strengthening Defence Resilience from review since its late November announcement.
The deadlock has stalled the review of Taiwan's 2026 general budget and increased pressure on Lai's Democratic Progressive Party.
The cabinet refused to sign amendments to a revenue-sharing act.