Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament has passed the national budget after significant cuts, including a freeze on nearly 40 percent of the country's regular defense budget. This move comes amid increasing Chinese pressure on the island democracy and raises concerns about Taiwan's commitment to its own defense.
Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament has passed the national budget after freezes and cuts observers say could alienate U.S. President Donald Trump, amid increasing Chinese pressure on the island democracy.Newsweek reached out to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry and the U.S.'s de facto embassy in Taipei with emailed requests for comment.Why It Matters The Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, retreated to the island after its defeat by Communist forces in 1949.
For years, many in Washington have called on Taiwan to signal a greater commitment to its own self-defense, urging it to significantly boost spending on weapons of asymmetric warfare such as cruise missiles.
CHINA TAIWAN DEFENSE BUDGET POLITICS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pence Calls on Trump to Support Taiwan in Case of Chinese InvasionFormer U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged President-elect Donald Trump to reaffirm his commitment to Taiwan's defense against a potential Chinese attack. Pence warned that the loss of Taiwan would trigger a nuclear arms race and undermine U.S. security commitments globally. He also called for negotiations on a free trade agreement between Taiwan and the U.S.
Read more »
Pence Calls on Trump to Reinforce Taiwan Support in Face of Chinese ThreatFormer U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urges President-elect Donald Trump to reaffirm America's commitment to Taiwan's defense should China invade. Pence warns of global instability and a potential nuclear arms race if Taiwan falls.
Read more »
Taiwan reports ‘significant rise’ in suspected Chinese espionageChina launched a large military drill surrounding Taiwan to warn against independence. NBC News' Janis Mackey Frayer reports on the growing tensions.
Read more »
Taiwan’s presidential office runs first ‘tabletop’ simulation of Chinese military escalationTaiwan’s presidential office held a “tabletop” exercise on Thursday simulating military escalations by China, a first-of-its-kind drill involving government agencies beyond the armed forces that highlights Taipei’s urgency in ensuring preparedness against an increasingly assertive Beijing.
Read more »
Man who sailed from China to Taiwan in rubber dinghy indicted while Chinese jets surround islandA man who sailed across the Taiwan Strait from China in a rubber dinghy has been indicted for illegally entering the island, while an unusually large number of Chinese fighter jets flew through the area in an apparent show of force.
Read more »
Chinese Retiree Sentenced for Harassing Former Official at Behest of Chinese GovernmentZhu Yong, a Chinese retiree, was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in harassing a former Chinese city official, Xu Jin, at the behest of Chinese government officials. Zhu was convicted of charges including stalking and acting as an illegal foreign agent.
Read more »