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Washington Post

Washington Post

Taiwan may cut its defense budget, just as Trump returns

Washington Post
Summary
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78% Informative

Tensions will come to a head when Taiwan 's parliament is due to vote on this year ’s budget.

The two parties that hold the majority are calling for substantial cuts, including to defense spending.

President Lai Ching-te's plans to buy American arms could complicate his plans to fend off China and placate Trump .

Washington retains close unofficial relations with Taipei .

U.S. arms contractors supply the Taiwanese military with weapons and training to withstand Chinese coercion.

Lai took office promising to accelerate military reforms but got off to a slow start, delaying efforts to become more agile and deadly in the event of a Chinese invasion.