Taiwan Has Budgeted Over 3% of GDP to Deter War, Not Start One. America Should Back a Friend Doing What We Ask
In his Oct. 10 National Day address, President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan's record defense build-up aims "to deter war," hours after 21 Chinese military aircraft were tracked near the island. In our view, that is peace through strength, and the pending U.S. arms package should be approved.
By Clara Hughes
ALTAS WORLD NEWS OPINION | By Clara Hughes, Chief Opinion Editor | October 11, 2026 | 6-min read For years, Americans have asked a fair question of our allies: Will you pay for your own defense? On Saturday, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te gave his answer in his National Day address. "Our aim by increasing investment in national defence is not to provoke; rather, it is to deter war," he said [1]. His government has earmarked a record NT$1.1 trillion, about US$34.5 billion, for defense in 2027, more than 3% of gross domestic product [1][2]. In our view, that is peace through strength, the Reagan and Trump doctrine, being practiced by a friend. Washington should reward it by approving the arms Taiwan is waiting for. Key Takeaways Lai said Taiwan is "open to exchanges but will not accept subordination" and called for "respect for the right of the people of Taiwan to exist" [1]. Hours before the speech, Taiwan's defense ministry tracked 21 Chinese military aircraft and seven navy ships around the island; 13 aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line [1][2]. Taiwan is still waiting for President Trump to sign off on about $14 billion in weapons, including the Patriot air defense system,