Extra funds push Taiwan’s defence spending past NT$1 trillion for the first time

Taiwan's cabinet approved a supplementary defense budget of NT$145.7 billion (US$4.6 billion) on Thursday. This additional funding pushes the island's total defense-related spending for the year past NT$1 trillion for the first time. The supplementary budget is expected to increase this year's defense spending from 3.32% to approximately 3.83% of GDP, the highest in decades. The funding aims to address shortfalls resulting from opposition lawmakers' reduction of NT$470 billion from a previously proposed eight-year defense package. The supplementary budget requires legislative approval.