Taiwan Urged to Increase Defense Spending Amid Rising China Tensions

U.S. officials stress Taiwan's strategic importance as pressure mounts for higher military investment and regional stability concerns grow.

U.S. Pentagon nominee Elbridge Colby has called for Taiwan to raise its defense spending to 10% of GDP to deter potential conflict with China.
Taiwan currently spends approximately 2.45% of GDP on defense, with plans to increase this to 3%, though recent budget cuts have raised concerns in Washington.
Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that the Indo-Pacific region is a core U.S. national interest and that the U.S. is unlikely to retreat from its commitments in the area.
China continues to assert its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, escalating military activities near the island, while Taiwan seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S. and other allies.
President Donald Trump’s criticism of Taiwan’s military spending and dominance in the global semiconductor industry has raised questions about the U.S.'s long-term support for the island.