Taiwan's Defense Budget Freeze: Politics vs. Preparedness

In the midst of a chilly political climate, Taiwan's parliament has frozen billions in defense spending, sparking worries about the country's readiness to defend itself. The US, Taiwan's main ally and arms supplier, is watching closely as tensions with China grow. Despite being a democratically ruled island, Taiwan faces threats from China, which views it as a part of its territory. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te finds himself in a tough spot. With an opposition-led parliament, passing legislation to boost defense is a challenge. Donald Trump's return to power has added uncertainty, with his "America First" agenda raising questions about US commitment to Taiwan. The defense budget freeze covers key projects like locally designed submarines and drones. Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai called the move "suicidal, " while Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned it sends the wrong signal to the US. Navigating Trump's policies is complex. While the US has a close security partnership with Taiwan, it's deliberately vague about how it would respond to an invasion. Trump has been less supportive of Taiwan than his predecessor, suggesting Taiwan pay more for US protection and increase its defense spending to 10% of its GDP. On the streets of Taipei, residents express concern about political stability. Some see Taiwan's semiconductor industry as a deterrent against Chinese aggression. However, defense experts worry about Taiwan's preparedness to face China's massive military.