Overview

• President Lai Ching-te said construction of the T‑Dome network will be sped up to create a protective shield over the island.
• Defense spending is targeted to exceed 3% of GDP in 2026 and reach 5% by 2030.
• Taiwan will seek partnerships with advanced nations to strengthen its defense industry and plans a special military budget by year’s end.
• Officials described T‑Dome as a layered system designed to intercept missiles, drones and cruise missiles at different altitudes.
• China’s foreign ministry condemned Lai’s remarks as separatist and reiterated its claim over Taiwan, following earlier PLA exercises that included a simulated blockade.