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Taiwan's $40 Billion Defense Budget Sparks Political Debate

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taiwan's parliament will prioritize reviewing a $40 billion special defense budget when it resumes after the Lunar New Year holiday.
The budget was proposed by President Lai Ching-te to counter China.
The Kuomintang party opposes the proposal and has suggested less costly alternatives.
Parliament Speaker Han Kuo-yu stated they would promote cross-party negotiations on the proposal.
The urgency follows concerns from U.S. lawmakers about delays in Taiwan's defense spending.

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Story summary

Taiwan's parliament will prioritize reviewing a $40 billion special defense budget when it resumes after the Lunar New Year holiday.
The budget was proposed by President Lai Ching-te to counter China.
The Kuomintang party opposes the proposal and has suggested less costly alternatives.
Parliament Speaker Han Kuo-yu stated they would promote cross-party negotiations on the proposal.
The urgency follows concerns from U.S. lawmakers about delays in Taiwan's defense spending.