The island’s opposition-controlled legislature approved a reduced NT$780 billion (over US$24 billion) special defence budget in May, rejecting a larger NT$1.25 trillion package proposed by the government.

Among the excluded projects was funding for the indigenous Chiang-Kong (Strong Bow) anti-ballistic missile system, a vital component of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s proposed T-Dome missile shield meant to counter aerial threats from Beijing.

After the programme was dropped, the military sought to revive it either through a supplementary budget this year or by incorporating it into the annual defence budget next year.

A Chiang-Kong missile and launcher, an indigenous anti-ballistic missile system, is displayed ahead of the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition in Taipei on September 17, 2025. Photo: AFP

A Chiang-Kong missile and launcher, an indigenous anti-ballistic missile system, is displayed ahead of the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition in Taipei on September 17, 2025. Photo: AFP

But differences between the cabinet and the defence ministry have prevented agreement on an alternative funding mechanism, Taiwan’s Liberty Times quoted unnamed senior government officials as saying on Monday.