INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Taiwan finds itself in a precarious position as U.S
transactional approach could extend to their island
Now, his administration has demanded Taiwan increase its defense budget to 10% of GDP, far beyond its current 2.45%.Taiwan Struggles with
(Photo Internet reproduction)While President Lai Ching-te pledged to raise defense spending to over 3% of GDP in 2025, opposition-led budget
cuts have frozen or slashed billions from critical programs, including submarine and drone initiatives.Domestically, Lai faces significant
Beijing has ramped up military exercises near Taiwan, simulating blockades and invasions while modernizing its forces with hypersonic
missiles and advanced naval capabilities.Although analysts believe a large-scale Chinese invasion is unlikely in 2025 due to logistical and
Yet Trump has threatened tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors, pressuring Taipei to shift production to the U.S.As Taiwan navigates these
challenges, it must balance domestic political divisions with external pressures from both Washington and Beijing
