Beijing says higher military spending will not deter reunification plans, while Taipei prepares its largest-ever defense budget amid growing pressure.

China urged Taiwan to abandon its path toward independence, saying that increased defense spending would not help the island counter Beijing’s plans for “reunification” with mainland China.

This is reported by Reuters.

China’s position was voiced by Zhang Han, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council. She accused the administration of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te of supporting pro-independence aspirations.

The island’s authorities, under the leadership of Lai Ching-te, continue to adhere to a separatist stance, pursuing so-called Taiwan independence while ignoring the majority of Taiwan’s people, who desire peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation.

– Zhang Han

According to the Chinese representative, Taipei’s attempts to counter Beijing’s policies are futile. She also called Taiwan’s spending on strengthening its defense capabilities ineffective.

Our determination to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering, and our capabilities are incomparably greater. We will under no circumstances leave room for separatist activities by supporters of the so-called Taiwan independence movement in any form.

– Zhang Han

Taiwan Raises Military Budget to a Record Level

Against the backdrop of Beijing’s statements, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te emphasized the need to further strengthen the island’s defenses. Speaking at an event in Taipei marking Armed Forces Day, he said that next year’s military budget would exceed 1 trillion Taiwan dollars for the first time. That is approximately $32 billion.

Taiwanese authorities plan to expand domestic defense production, make greater use of artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, and improve preparedness for potential challenges.

Taiwan was never part of the People’s Republic of China. Since 1949, the island has been governed by its own administration, while Beijing considers it a province of China and does not rule out the use of force to establish control.

China regularly conducts military exercises near Taiwan. Beijing describes them as preparations to defend its sovereignty, while Taipei views them as pressure and a demonstration of a possible invasion scenario. Taiwan’s authorities reject the PRC’s claims and insist that the island’s future should be determined exclusively by its people.