Taiwan Freezes Defense Budget Amidst Trump's Inauguration and China's Threats

Taiwan's parliament has decided to freeze billions in defense spending just after Donald Trump became the US President. This decision has raised concerns about Taiwan's readiness against China's threats. The move, supported by the opposition, comes as Taiwan deals with strained relations with the US under Trump's foreign policy approach. Critics warn that this could harm Taiwan's military reforms and send negative signals to Washington.

Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, faces constant threats from China, which claims the island as its territory. Despite never governing Taiwan, Beijing vows reunification, even by force. The US has been Taiwan's main arms supplier, but Trump's "America First" policy has raised fears about continued support without more financial contributions from Taipei.

The opposition-led vote to block funding comes as Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te struggles with a parliament dominated by opposition forces. Critics argue that this budget freeze could weaken Taiwan's defense capabilities and damage its credibility with the US. President Lai expressed concerns on Facebook about the international community doubting Taiwan's determination to defend itself.

The frozen funds affect key projects, including indigenous submarines and drones. Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai condemned the opposition's actions, calling them "suicidal" and warning they send "the wrong signal to the United States." Defense Minister Wellington Koo echoed these concerns, emphasizing the freeze could undermine military modernization efforts.

Trump has criticized Taiwan's defense spending, previously calling for an increase to 10% of GDP. Taiwan's defense spending has faced scrutiny, with a backlog of over USD 20 billion in undelivered US military equipment hampering modernization efforts. Concerns have been raised about Taiwan's reliance on asymmetric warfare strategies.

Public sentiment in Taiwan reflects anxiety over the political deadlock. Residents worry about how the freeze might be perceived by the US. China's growing military aggression and diplomatic isolation of Taiwan have added urgency to defense preparations. US intelligence suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed his military to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027.

Taiwan's military reforms have faced criticism for their slow pace. The ongoing debate over Taiwan's indigenous submarine program highlights challenges. Alexander Huang of the opposition Kuomintang party defended the budget freeze, emphasizing prudence in weapon system development.

Despite challenges, some Taiwanese remain optimistic, pointing to the semiconductor industry as a deterrent against Beijing. Analysts urge Taiwan's government to present a united front, especially with Trump's return to the White House. Increasing the self-defense budget remains a top priority for Taiwan.