Taipei Rally Backs Lai's Defense Budget After Parliament Cuts $40 Billion Request

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in central Taipei on May 23 to support increased defense spending after Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament approved only two-thirds of a $40 billion supplementary budget requested by Lai Ching-te. The parliament backed funding for U.S. arms purchases but rejected money for domestically produced equipment such as drones, citing corruption concerns and unclear proposals.

The government is now seeking approval for the remaining funds, which include the T-Dome integrated air defense system. The Kuomintang, the largest opposition party controlling parliament, stated it supports defense spending but opposes what it called reckless expenditure and blank cheques. KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun argued that Taiwan should invest in peace to avoid war with China rather than pursue unchecked military spending.

The Taipei rally, organized with support from the Taiwan Statebuilding Party, drew hundreds from human rights and pro-independence groups. Taiwan Statebuilding Party Chairman Wang Hsing-huan addressed the crowd, calling for robust national defense. The demonstration highlighted the sharp political divide over how Taiwan should fund its military readiness amid ongoing threats from China, with the ruling party pushing for full defense funding and the opposition demanding greater accountability and diplomatic alternatives.