Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced plans to enhance the island’s defense and security in his Lunar New Year message.
Last year, he proposed an additional $40 billion for defense to counter China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. The opposition party, which holds a majority in parliament, has not reviewed this proposal and suggested its own, less costly plans that focus only on purchasing some U. S. weapons.
In his video message recorded at a military radar station, Lai thanked the armed forces for their constant protection and emphasized the need to improve national defense and maintain stability. The video showcased Taiwan’s first domestically developed submarine undergoing trials.
Lai did not send greetings to China, which recently conducted military exercises nearby.
With information from Reuters