Taipei: Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers have criticized President Lai Ching-te’s US$40 billion defense proposal, labeling it as lacking detail and questioning its motives. They suspect it may be a quid pro quo with U.S. President Donald Trump for allowing future transits through the United States.
According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai outlined the special budget proposal in a Washington Post op-ed, which requires approval from the opposition-controlled Legislature. KMT lawmaker Hsu Yu-chen expressed concerns about the “astronomical sum” being secured through debt financing, noting the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has provided scant details on spending plans.
Hsu also questioned whether the defense commitment was exchanged for potential stopovers, as Trump has reportedly blocked Lai’s transit through the U.S. in August. KMT lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin stated her party does not oppose increasing the defense budget, especially with deteriorating cross-strait relations, but fears the US$40 billion could lead to cuts in social welfare and education. She also highlighted existing delays in U.S. weapons deliveries to Taiwan.
The KMT’s legislative caucus has pledged to scrutinize the budget to protect taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang, visiting Japan, supports a “reasonable” security spending increase but stresses a “practical and rational” review. He pointed out that the government’s fiscal 2026 defense budget already stands at NT$950 billion (US$30.2 billion).
President Lai, at a news conference, called the military investment “necessary” due to growing threats from China, seeking support from opposition lawmakers for national security. The Ministry of National Defense has stated that the proposed US$40 billion will be spent over eight years from 2026 to 2033.
