Taiwan Increases Defense Spending to 'Deter War' Amid Chinese Military Pressure

Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te, announced a record NT$1.1 trillion ($34.5 billion) defense budget for 2027, emphasizing the aim to 'deter war' as China continues to exert military pressure and assert its territorial claims over the island. The move comes as Taiwan seeks to improve its fighting capabilities and demonstrate its commitment to self-defense to the United States.