Taiwan proposes record allocations for defense, amid growing military and political pressures from China.

The government in Taipei has announced that defense allocations will reach 31.4 billion dollars, exceeding 3% of the island's Gross Domestic Product, according to Reuters. The funds will be allocated not only for military purchases but also for veterans' expenses and Coast Guard.

Hsieh Chi-hsien, head of the accounting office of the Ministry of Defense, mentioned that the plans include additional spending for drones and missiles, in a context where the government has not previously obtained Parliament's approval for these programs. The implementation of the budget is expected to be complicated, considering that the opposition holds the majority in Parliament and has stated that it will not provide the government with 'blank checks', although it supports strengthening defense capabilities.

In May, Parliament approved additional spending of approximately 25 billion dollars, an amount that was below what the government requested. In this context, Beijing has intensified pressure on Taiwan through Coast Guard patrols, and recently, the Taiwanese military concluded the annual Han Kuang military exercises, simulating defense scenarios. China has criticized these exercises, accusing Taipei of fueling 'war panic'.