Taiwan's President has announced plans to increase defense spending to more than 3 percent of the country's gross domestic product, up from the current 2.5 percent. This move is aimed at addressing US concerns over Taiwan's security costs.
The US is obligated by law to provide Taiwan with weapons for self-defense, but President Trump has emphasized the need for Taiwan to contribute more towards its own protection.
President Lai Ching-te stated that Taiwan will intensify efforts to bolster national defense and further enhance security cooperation with the US. However, the task of raising defense spending may pose challenges for Lai's minority government.
Following Trump's inauguration, Taiwan's legislature voted to freeze a significant amount of defense spending. Unlike some neighboring countries in the region, Taiwan does not have a mutual defense treaty with the US and has relied heavily on purchasing American weaponry over the years.
