Taiwan Announces $40 Billion Defense Budget, Largest in History

Strategic deterrence, or wasteful posturing?

Published 1 day ago

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Above: President Lai Ching-te during the during the National Day celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, on Oct. 10, 2025. Image credit: Daniel Ceng/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-China narrative

Taiwan's massive defense spending spree is nothing but desperate posturing that wastes resources that would be better spent on people's livelihoods. The DPP authorities are channeling funds into useless arms purchases to curry favor with external forces, while the trend toward reunification remains unstoppable.

Global Times China Daily

Anti-China narrative

Taiwan's historic $40 billion defense investment demonstrates unwavering commitment to deterring Beijing's unprecedented military buildup and provocations. This landmark spending increase to 5% of GDP by 2030 will bolster asymmetric capabilities and create real costs for Chinese aggression.

Atlantic Council The Washington Post