Taiwan unveils record defence budget as Beijing stands firm on claim to island
- Tsai Ing-wen says Taipei will seek a ‘constructive security relationship’ with the US and strengthen its military
- Mainland military stages drills in Taiwan Strait in ‘warning to independence supporters’
02:12
Taiwan unveils record defence budget as China stands firm on claim to island
In a virtual address to the Washington-based Hudson Institute on Wednesday, Tsai said the top priority for her second term was to strengthen the island’s military defences, including seeking a “constructive security relationship” with the US.
“Our 23 million people have the right to determine our own futures, which is [the] antithesis to the position Beijing has taken,” she said.
“Upholding these principles requires us to be able to defend Taiwan against coercive actions. It entails backing up words with actions.”
02:19
Taiwan military drill simulates coastal attack amid rising tensions with mainland China
The defence budget proposed by Tsai’s cabinet on Thursday would increase military spending to 2.4 per cent of the island’s GDP and require legislative approval.