Taiwan's President Lai pledges $40 billion defense budget increase to counter Beijing's military buildup

Taiwan will add $40 billion to its defense budget to counter Beijing's military buildup and "intensifying provocations." President Lai Ching-te stated China is accelerating military preparations, aiming to seize the island by 2027, and warned of an "unprecedented military buildup." Beijing considers Taiwan its territory, while Taiwan rejects these claims and vows to enhance self-defense capabilities amid growing threats.