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Taiwan Parliament to Revisit $40 Billion Defense Budget Amid Tensions

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taiwan's Parliament will discuss the stalled US$40 billion defense budget on March 6.
The plan was introduced by President Lai Ching-te in 2025 to counter China's military pressure.
The opposition, which holds a majority, has blocked the review and proposed a cheaper alternative funding only some U.S. weapon purchases.
Parliament Speaker and Deputy have pledged to prioritize the defense plan as United States urges spending and China rejects dialogue.

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Story summary

Taiwan's Parliament will discuss the stalled US$40 billion defense budget on March 6.
The plan was introduced by President Lai Ching-te in 2025 to counter China's military pressure.
The opposition, which holds a majority, has blocked the review and proposed a cheaper alternative funding only some U.S. weapon purchases.
Parliament Speaker and Deputy have pledged to prioritize the defense plan as United States urges spending and China rejects dialogue.