Hundreds protested in Taipei after Taiwan’s parliament cut key defence spending plans, raising concerns over national security and growing tensions with China.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Taipei on Saturday to support increased defence spending after Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament reduced a major military budget proposed by President Lai Ching-te.
The rally was organized by several human rights and pro-independence groups, with protesters waving flags and chanting slogans backing stronger national defence amid rising tensions with China.
President Lai had requested an additional defence package worth nearly $40 billion, aimed at boosting Taiwan’s military preparedness through purchases of U.S. weapons and domestically developed defence systems, including drones and the island’s new “T-Dome” integrated air defence network.
However, opposition lawmakers approved only about two-thirds of the requested funding and limited support mainly to U.S. weapons purchases.
Opposition parties argued that some government proposals lacked transparency and could potentially create opportunities for corruption.
“True peace requires national defence. Only by strengthening our national defence can we ensure Taiwan’s freedom,” said Wang Hsing-huan, chairman of the Taiwan Statebuilding Party, while addressing protesters.
The Taiwan Statebuilding Party currently holds no seats in parliament but strongly supports Taiwanese sovereignty and defence expansion.
Many protesters said Taiwan must strengthen its military capabilities to counter growing pressure from Beijing, which continues to claim the self-ruled island as part of its territory.
“We need to protect ourselves against China’s expansion,” said Angela Yen, a 34-year-old civil engineer attending the rally. “China and Taiwan are two different countries.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s main opposition parties insisted they are not against defence spending but oppose what they described as unchecked or unclear government spending proposals.
Speaking in southern Taiwan earlier on Saturday, Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun said nobody wanted war with China and warned against reckless spending.
According to her party, Cheng argued Taiwan should invest more in peace rather than preparing future generations for military conflict.
The debate comes amid increasing military pressure from China and growing concerns about regional security in East Asia.
Taiwan’s government continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide the island’s future.
The latest dispute over defence funding has further exposed deep political divisions inside Taiwan over how to respond to China’s growing military and diplomatic pressure.
