TVBS
Taiwan upgrades defense plans as China threat escalates

President Lai Ching-te warned Wednesday that China accelerates military preparations to invade Taiwan by 2027, unveiling national security plans that raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. Taiwan commits over NT$1.25 trillion (around US$40 billion) in additional defense spending through 2033. Lai emphasized that Beijing’s most dangerous weapon is not military force but persuading Taiwan to surrender. The plans establish democratic defense mechanisms, develop advanced air defense systems called "Taiwan Dome," and counter China’s psychological warfare campaign aimed at transforming "Democratic Taiwan" into "China Taiwan."