Taipei: Taiwan regional leader William Lai Ching-te has announced plans to construct the "T-Dome" air defense system to bolster the island's security infrastructure. During an address commemorating Taiwan's 114th founding anniversary, Lai revealed that defense spending will increase to 3% of GDP next year and is projected to reach 5% by 2030.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lai emphasized the importance of enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities through the development of the T-Dome, which aims to provide a comprehensive air defense network featuring multi-layered protection, advanced detection systems, and efficient interception mechanisms. The initiative is designed to safeguard the lives and property of Taiwan's citizens.
Lai highlighted the rationale behind the increased defense budget, citing it as a necessary measure to counter potential threats and a stimulant for domestic defense industry growth. In his speech, he also addressed broader regional and international issues, including the impact of U.S. tariffs on global economies and industries.
He noted that the current global landscape is fraught with challenges, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle Eastern instability, and China's military expansion. Lai expressed concerns over the expanding influence of authoritarian regimes and stressed the need for regional stability, particularly in areas like the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
Lai called for China to take responsibility as a major power by respecting international agreements and renouncing the use of force to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
In response to Lai's remarks, a spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry criticized the portrayal of China and accused Lai of distorting historical facts to promote separatist agendas. The spokesperson reiterated China's stance on the one-China principle and opposition to any form of diplomatic engagement with Taiwan.
In a related development, Taiwan's defense ministry faced scrutiny over its defense budget, particularly regarding the high costs of military water supplies. Opposition lawmaker Ma Wen-chun questioned the expenditure during a parliamentary review of the NT$113.2 billion special defense resilience budget. The budget includes allocations for expensive bottled water and other items, drawing criticism for perceived fiscal mismanagement.