taipei, taiwan — Taiwan's Defense Ministry warned of "serious impact" to security after opposition parties passed laws that require a cut in defense spending of about $2.45 billion as the island is facing an elevated Chinese military threat.


Taiwan's opposition parties, which hold a majority in parliament, last week passed legislation to shift spending from the central government to local municipalities, a move strongly contested by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and thousands of protesters.


In a statement late Wednesday, the Defense Ministry said it might need to cut its defense budget plan by 28% for next year, equivalent to around $2.45 billion, to meet the new funding requirements.


"It is set to deliver a serious impact to the national forces' military buildup and combat preparedness," the ministry said. Upgrades to some equipment will not continue, and it will be difficult to make payments for purchased items in accordance with contracts, resulting in delays or cancellations, it said. 


The ministry said the defense budget for next year amounted to about  2.4% of Taiwan's gross domestic product, but the possible cut would take the sum below 2%, even as other countries in the region are increasing military spending.


"How do we persuade international friends to help us in critical moments when the enemy is invading us?" the ministry said.


China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military pressure in recent years to assert those claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.


Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan's National Security Council, told reporters on Wednesday that more discussions were needed because the budget cut would lead to "serious consequences." He did not give details, but said the cut would "send a wrong message that Taiwan does not want to defend itself. Seeing that, like-minded countries might not want to help our nation."


The Cabinet in August proposed a 7.7% year-on-year rise for military spending to $19.8 billion, a record high for Taiwan as the island adds fighter jets and missiles to strengthen deterrence against the rising threat from Beijing.


The DPP lost its parliamentary majority in January elections and is in a standoff with the opposition on several issues.

Related

---