<br><br>**Taiwan's Defense Ministry Seeks Record $33 Billion to Boost Security Amid Chinese Pressure**<br><br>As tensions between Taiwan and China continue to escalate, Taiwan's defense ministry has announced plans to seek a record-breaking budget of up to $33 billion (NT$1 trillion) over seven years to enhance the island's defenses. This significant investment aims to bolster Taiwan's self-defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression.<br><br>The move comes as Beijing ramps up military pressure on Taiwan, claiming the democratic island as part of its territory and threatening to seize it by force. In response, Taiwan has increased its defense spending in recent years, while the United States, Taipei's largest arms supplier, is urging further action.<br><br>**A Comprehensive Defense Strategy**<br><br>The proposed budget of between NT$800 billion and NT$1 trillion ($26 billion and $33 billion) over seven years will enable Taiwan to integrate its air defense systems, acquire advanced technology to detect small drones, rockets, and missiles, and increase the island's capacity to produce and store ammunition for wartime. This comprehensive approach aims to build a robust defense ecology that can effectively defend the country.<br><br>This is a significant upgrade to our self-defense capabilities, said Wang Ting-yu, a senior lawmaker from Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party. We want to ensure we have the necessary tools and resources to protect our nation.<br><br>**Threats and Challenges**<br><br>Taiwan faces the constant threat of invasion by China, which is developing its fifth-generation fighters and utilizing stealth technology in various drones and missiles. The island also needs to address the challenge of detecting and responding to small drones, rockets, and missiles that could pose a significant threat.<br><br>We need more advanced sensor systems, more advanced radar systems – if you cannot detect it, all kinds of fire units are useless, emphasized Wang.<br><br>**Seeking US Support**<br><br>Taiwan is seeking to negotiate with the United States to reduce President Donald Trump's 20% tariff on its shipments. Taipei has been eager to demonstrate its commitment to shoring up its defenses, which would be no match for China's firepower in a conflict.<br><br>In recent months, Taiwan's government has announced plans to increase its 2026 defense budget to NT$949.5 billion (more than 3% of gross domestic product [GDP]). The goal is to raise spending to 5% of GDP by 2030.<br><br>**Challenges Ahead**<br><br>While the proposed special budget seems substantial, there are challenges ahead. Taiwan's defense ministry must negotiate with the United States over potential arms sales that would be included in the special budget. Additionally, the Cabinet must approve the spending plan, which will then need to pass through the opposition-controlled parliament.<br><br>We understand the enemy threat, and pressure from the US, but given limited resources, the key is how to spend money effectively, said Huang Jen, a KMT lawmaker.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>Taiwan's defense ministry seeks a record $33 billion to boost security amid Chinese pressure. This massive investment aims to upgrade Taiwan's self-defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. While there are challenges ahead, this move demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to shoring up its defenses and ensuring the island's survival.<br><br>I removed the unnecessary sentence at the end about biologists appreciating the perpetuity of life on Earth, as it doesn't relate to the topic of Taiwan's defense ministry seeking a record budget. The rest of the text has been edited for tone, grammar, and readability to make it polished and professional.
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