Taiwan's Defense in Focus: Think Tank Calls for Increased Spending and Faster US Arms Delivery

The Global Taiwan Institute's Report Highlights Key Strategies for Taiwan's Security Amidst Growing Regional Tensions.

Washington, April 10 – A recent report issued by the Global Taiwan Institute (GTI) proposes that Taiwan bolster its defense spending to effectively address the evolving threats from China. The think tank also emphasizes the importance of the United States expediting the delivery of crucial military capabilities to the island nation.

The report, titled "U.S.-Taiwan Relations: Advancing Four Pillars of the Strategic Partnership," was released to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which established the framework for enduring ties between the U.S. and Taiwan following the severing of diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1979.

The GTI's analysis evaluated the evolution of the strategic partnership across four pivotal areas: security, international space, economic ties, and people-to-people relations. The report offers forward-looking policy recommendations designed to uphold peace and stability in light of escalating challenges from China.

Regarding national defense and security, the GTI recommends that Taiwan augment its defense budget to facilitate the acquisition of necessary capabilities to safeguard its national defense and sustain its needs against a broad spectrum of potential attacks and coercion scenarios originating from China.

However, the report clarifies that the precise percentage of GDP allocated to this objective is less critical than Taiwan's demonstrated commitment and capacity to respond effectively to the complex and ever-changing threat posed by China.

On the U.S. side, the GTI suggests that Washington should strengthen its defense industrial base to ensure a more timely provision of essential military capabilities to Taiwan, and concurrently assist in amplifying the island's own indigenous defense industrial capabilities.

The GTI further urges the U.S. to enhance joint planning and training initiatives with Taiwan to address military, coercive, and "gray zone" threats, thereby bolstering the island's defense and resilience.

The report asserts that Taiwan's military and citizenry must, in turn, commit to more rigorous preparations.

During a forum held in Washington D.C. to launch the report on Thursday, Brent Christensen, former director of the American Institute in Taiwan, questioned the feasibility of Taiwan dedicating approximately 10 percent of its GDP to defense spending.

The idea of Taiwan significantly increasing its defense spending, potentially to around 10 percent of GDP, was recently suggested by Elbridge Colby during a Senate confirmation hearing in early March.

"I agree with President Trump that they should be more like 10 percent, or at least something in that ballpark, really focused on their defense," said Colby, who was confirmed as U.S. undersecretary of defense for policy early this week.

In contrast to Colby's view, Christensen argued that it is not essential to overly focus on the specific percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending.

Christensen, who co-authored the report, noted that Taiwan's defense spending, as a percentage of GDP, may underestimate broader investments in civil defense and societal resilience, both integral components of Taiwan's comprehensive defense strategy.

Taiwan's Cabinet allocated NT$647 billion (US$20.02 billion) for defense spending in 2025, representing 2.45 percent of GDP, although some of these funds were subsequently reduced or frozen by the opposition-controlled Legislature.

The Ministry of National Defense reported in early March that NT$8 billion from this year's defense budget had been cut, with an additional NT$90 billion frozen.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) later pledged to propose a special budget to raise defense spending to over 3 percent of GDP, though this also requires legislative approval.