Taiwan’s Special defense budget will become the top priority when lawmakers reconvene after the Lunar New Year holiday. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu announced the move after 37 US lawmakers sent letters urging progress on the stalled proposal. The plan allocates NT$1.25 trillion, or about US$39.66 billion, for long-term defense enhancements.
Han said the Legislative Yuan would review the Special defense budget through open, transparent and lawful procedures. Moreover, he pledged to coordinate with party caucuses to ensure rational debate and cross-party dialogue. He emphasized that Taiwan values its relationship with Washington and takes congressional concerns seriously.
Han and Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang, both from the Kuomintang, said they support candid exchanges with US counterparts. They added that Taiwan faces a complex geopolitical environment that demands careful national security planning. Therefore, lawmakers must weigh fiscal discipline alongside urgent defense requirements.
The Executive Yuan proposed the Special defense budget late last year to cover 2026 through 2033. Officials designed the package to strengthen defense resilience and expand asymmetric warfare capabilities. However, the opposition-controlled legislature has repeatedly delayed formal review sessions since November.
President William Lai introduced the proposal but declined opposition requests to brief lawmakers in person. Consequently, procedural disputes have complicated progress despite broad political support for national defense. Han argued that mature democracies resolve differences through consensus rather than confrontation.
Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party caucus secretary-general Chen Pei-yu called for responsible cooperation on national security legislation. She said stable and long-term funding would reinforce deterrence and sustain military readiness. Additionally, she urged opposition parties to prioritize national interests above partisan considerations.
Analysts say the debate carries implications beyond domestic politics, especially given rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. US lawmakers have repeatedly highlighted Taiwan’s strategic importance within regional security planning. Therefore, legislative action on the Special defense budget will signal Taiwan’s resolve to strengthen its defense posture.
In the coming weeks, committees will examine funding allocations, procurement schedules and oversight mechanisms. The outcome will shape Taiwan’s security strategy for years while influencing relations with key international partners.
