September 18, 2021
2 mins read

Amid Chinese threats, Taiwan announces $8.69bn in defence spending

Taiwan has also planned to purchase cruise missiles and warships, along with other military equipment, Taiwan News reported citing the ministry…reports Asian Lite News.

Taiwan on Thursday announced to spend an additional USD 8.69 billion in the defence sector in the next five years amid growing threats from China.

The new money, which comes on top of the planned 2022 military budget of NWT 471.7 billion, still needs to be passed by Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, Taiwan News reported citing media reports.

“The Chinese communists have continued to invest heavily in national defense budgets, its military strength has grown rapidly, and it has frequently dispatched aircraft and ships to invade and harass our seas and airspace,” Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.

“In the face of severe threats from the enemy, the nation’s military is actively engaged in military building and preparation work, and it is urgent to obtain mature and rapid mass production weapons and equipment in a short period of time,” the statement added.

Taiwan has also planned to purchase cruise missiles and warships, along with other military equipment, Taiwan News reported citing the ministry.

This comes as China has ramped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan.

Taiwan has reported almost daily incursions by Chinese military aircraft in its air defence identification zone.

On Wednesday, Nine Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), marking the 14th intrusion this month.

Six People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shenyang J-16 fighter jets, one Shaanxi Y-8 reconnaissance plane, one Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane, and one KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft flew into the southwest corner of the ADIZ, Taiwan News reported citing the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

Taiwan had also held five-day annual military exercises that prepared for a full-scale invasion by China, including response biological and chemical warfare.

The live-fire portion of Han Kuang exercise kicked off early Monday morning in eastern Taiwan, an area China considers a weak link, Nikkei Asia reported.

F-16V and Mirage 2000 fighter jets were dispatched to simulate a response to an armed invasion.

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China, despite the fact that the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.

Taipei, on the other hand, has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China has threatened that “Taiwan’s independence” means war.

On June 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to complete reunification with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to smash any attempts at formal independence for the island. (ANI)

ALSO READ-China under fire over disappearance of Tibetan scholar, monk

READ MORE-China’s Army continues to build up infra along LAC

Previous Story

Beijing, Tehran vow to strengthen cooperation

Next Story

China formally applies to join TPP trade deal

Latest from -Top News

India, UK to fast-track CETA roll-out

India and the UK step up efforts to operationalise landmark trade deal as business leaders seek new opportunities India and the United Kingdom took a decisive step towards activating their long-awaited trade

Afghan FM Muttaqi Begins Week-Long India Visit

Muttaqi will be in India till October 16…reports Asian Lite News Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for an official visit to India, focused on discussing

World Bank Warns of Growing Poverty in Pakistan

Instead of concentrating on rural development to reduce poverty, the Pakistan government has been focused more on increasing defence expenditure….reports Asian Lite News The World Bank has voiced deep concern over Pakistan’s

Peace in Afghanistan Vital, Says India

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar who expressed support for independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News On Tuesday, India reaffirmed that a
Go toTop