Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced a proposal for an additional $40 billion in defense spending to reinforce the island’s military capabilities amid increasing pressure from China. This budget aims to enhance Taiwan’s asymmetrical defense strategies and plans for significant arms purchases from the United States, reflecting ongoing calls from Washington for Taipei to bolster its defense efforts. The proposed defense budget for 2026 would reach approximately T$949.5 billion (around $30.25 billion), marking a historic threshold of 3.32% of GDP. Lai emphasized that while Taiwan seeks dialogue with China, its commitment to democracy and freedom remains unwavering, underscoring the growing tensions in the region and the vital role of international support for Taiwan’s defense.