President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday urged lawmakers to pass the special defense bill swiftly, warning that delays could knock Taiwan off the U.S. arms sales priority list and raise doubts about the island’s resolve in self-defense. 

Lai held a press conference with the commanders of the army, navy, and air force to reiterate the urgency of the “special act to safeguard democratic Taiwan,” which would fund a new NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.6 billion) eight-year special defense budget proposed last November. The measure aims to build asymmetric warfare capabilities and multilayered defenses but remains stalled in the legislature.

The president stated that, given the increasingly complex regional situation, the most urgent need for the national armed forces is to acquire “advanced and precise” weaponry promptly to protect Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, ensuring the safety of the lives and property of the people. 

Lai noted that Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines have boosted defense spending and thanked the U.S. government for its support in issuing a quotation for Taiwan, but warned that without quick budget approval, Taiwan may not only fall off the priority list, but also cause the international community to question its commitment to defending itself.

Urging Taiwan not to repeat past mistakes, Lai recalled blocking a similar arms procurement bill 69 times 21 years ago as a lawmaker, leading to its failure despite a U.S. offer of eight submarines. 

Lai reiterated that peace is priceless and war has no winners. He added that only strength ensures true peace and that support for the military is the shared responsibility of all political parties and the public.