What Happened
Record High Spending Raises Concerns Over Livelihoods
The Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan have announced plans to increase the region’s defense budget to a record high of NT$1.1225 trillion ($35.2 billion) in 2027. This move has raised concerns that the growing military expenditure will squeeze resources for people’s livelihoods and economic development. The budget increase is closely tied to an expanding military procurement agenda with the United States, with some critics arguing that the spending is effectively a ‘protection fee’ paid to the US. This development was reported by various media outlets, including CGTN.