The Taiwanese government¡¯s nearly $40 billion defense budget request is in jeopardy as the opposition advances a much smaller proposal through parliament that omits a number of capabilities deemed critical to deterring and defending against a Chinese attack.
The counterproposal ¡ª which would slash President Lai Ching-te¡¯s eight-year, special defense budget request by almost 70% ¡ª has raised concerns with the Defense Ministry and prompted dismay in Washington, as China ramps up its military activities around the self-ruled island.
¡°I¡¯m disappointed to see Taiwan¡¯s opposition parties in parliament slash President Lai¡¯s defense budget so dramatically,¡± U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, .
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