Taipei, May 09 (V7N) — Taiwan’s parliament has approved additional defense spending aimed at strengthening the island’s military capabilities amid increasing pressure and military threats from China.

According to reports by Reuters on Friday (May 8), lawmakers passed a special defense budget worth US$25 billion, although the approved amount was lower than what the government had originally requested.

The defense package includes procurement of high mobility artillery rocket systems, self-propelled howitzers, missiles, drones and Javelin anti-armor missile systems.

The Taiwanese government’s original proposal included plans to purchase advanced weapons from the United States and invest in domestically produced drones and other military equipment to further enhance the island’s defense preparedness against possible threats from China.

However, the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which holds a majority in parliament, opposed parts of the proposal, arguing that the budget process lacked transparency and could create opportunities for corruption.

The United States has repeatedly urged Taiwan to increase defense spending in recent years. Last December, Washington approved an arms sales package worth approximately US$11 billion for Taiwan, while reports indicate that another package valued at nearly US$14 billion may also be under consideration.

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