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Taiwan's Defense Budget Faces Opposition Blockade Amid Tensions

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 20, 2026, Taiwan's Defense Ministry held a closed-door briefing to defend the NT$1.25 trillion budget and persuade lawmakers to advance it amid an opposition blockade.
President William Lai Ching-te announced the largest Taiwan budget to boost combat readiness against Beijing.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung said the plan rests on security assessments.
Opposition parties criticized the briefing and have blocked the bill from entering committee review eight times.

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Story summary

On January 20, 2026, Taiwan's Defense Ministry held a closed-door briefing to defend the NT$1.25 trillion budget and persuade lawmakers to advance it amid an opposition blockade.
President William Lai Ching-te announced the largest Taiwan budget to boost combat readiness against Beijing.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung said the plan rests on security assessments.
Opposition parties criticized the briefing and have blocked the bill from entering committee review eight times.