Taiwan has already held preliminary talks with the United States about the weapons it plans to purchase with part of its additional $40 billion defense budget. This was announced by Defense Minister Wellington Ku, quoted by Reuters, reports BTA.
Yesterday, Taiwan's President Lai Chin-te presented a new spending plan for the period 2026-2033, underlining the island's determination to strengthen its defense capabilities amid the growing threat from China.
Beijing considers democratically ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has significantly increased military and political pressure in the past five years. Taipei categorically rejects these claims.
In a statement to journalists in the Taiwanese capital, Minister Ku specified that purchases from the United States will naturally occupy a significant share of the new spending plan.
“We have already completed preliminary coordination with the United States on the planning of this military procurement project“, he said.
According to him, Taiwan has already received information from the US Department of Defense on the quantities of weapons, indicative prices, transaction schedules and other key details, which shows Washington's readiness to deliver the necessary systems.
However, details will not be disclosed until the US Congress receives official notification, the minister specified. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Amid growing pressure from Washington for Taiwan to increase its own defense spending - similar to calls for its European allies - President Lai announced in August that the country aims to increase its military budget to 5% of gross domestic product by 2030.