Taiwan to boost arms spending with extra cash for missiles and ‘carrier killer’ ships amid growing pressure from mainland China

A special budget will see Taipei spending US$8.7bn over the next five years on domestically produced weapons

The announcement comes in the face of growing cross-strait tensions as Beijing continues to send war ships and planes close to the island

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Taiwan is looking to strengthen its missile defences. Photo: Handout

Published: 7:57pm, 16 Sep 2021Updated: 10:51pm, 16 Sep 2021

Taiwan is planning to spend NT$240 billion (US$8.7 billion) over the next five years on domestically produced arms, including missiles capable of striking mainland China, as part of its efforts to strengthen its defences.

A special budget to buy several types of missiles – including Wan Chien (Ten Thousand Swords) cruise missiles, Tien Kung (Sky Bow) anti-ballistic missiles, short-range Tien Chien (Sky Sword) and medium-range Hsiung Feng (Brave Wind) missiles – was approved by the cabinet on Thursday, officials said.

The money will also cover navy and coastguard vessels equipped with anti-ship and anti-aircraft weapons, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

The special budget supplements the NT$471.7 billion defence budget for next year and will need to be approved by the legislature, where the government has a large majority.

After the cabinet meeting, Premier Su Tseng-chang said the extra spending formed part of Taiwan’s “efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and security, and the safety of its people”, as Beijing continued to ramp up pressure on Taiwan by sending fighter jets and warships on exercises close to the island.

He said the spending also reflected the island’s efforts to upgrade its domestic defence industry, adding that this could also help promote economic development.

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