Taiwan has already held initial discussions with the United States about the weapons it plans to acquire under a US$40 billion (S$51 billion) supplementary defence budget, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Thursday (Nov 27). The new budget, announced by President Lai Ching-te the previous day and covering 2026 to 2033, is intended to reinforce Taiwan’s commitment to defending itself against mounting pressure from China. Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory, has stepped up military and political measures over the past five years, which Taipei firmly opposes.

Speaking in Taipei, Koo said that arms purchases from the United States will form a major part of the plan. Taiwan has received details from the US Department of Defence, including quantities, pricing, and timelines, indicating American willingness to supply the weapons. However, no specifics can be released until a formal notification is made to the US Congress.

The budget still requires approval from Taiwan’s parliament, which is dominated by the opposition. The Kuomintang criticized the announcement, arguing that President Lai did not consult parliament beforehand and cautioning against heavy reliance on borrowing. Premier Cho Jung-tai urged legislative support, citing the threat from China, while Koo noted that the plan would also create 90,000 jobs and contribute T$400 billion (S$16 billion) to Taiwan’s economy.

The US remains Taiwan’s most significant arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. In response to calls from Washington to increase defence spending, Lai has proposed raising it to five percent of GDP by 2030. Since President Donald Trump took office, only one arms sale to Taiwan has been approved: a US$330 million package for fighter jets and related parts announced this month. US officials have indicated plans to expand arms sales further to deter China. China has condemned Taiwan’s defence spending, while Lai maintains that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. Beijing has rejected repeated offers of talks, branding Lai a “separatist.”